🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Austin-Healey

Model:

Sprite / Midget

Generation:

This manual covers multiple generations spanning 1958-1971, encompassing the original Sprite Mk I (Bug-Eye) through the Midget Mk III.

Chassis Codes Covered:

AH Sprite Mk I (AN5), AH Sprite Mk II (AN6), MG Midget Mk I (GAN1), AH Sprite Mk III (AN8), MG Midget Mk II (GAN2), MG Midget Mk III (GAN4).

👋 Introduction

Historical Context:

The Austin-Healey Sprite and its MG Midget counterpart were iconic British sports cars of the 1960s and early 1970s, representing accessible, fun-to-drive motoring. They competed with other small sports cars like the Triumph Spitfire and Fiat 850 Spider.

Target Audience:

Enthusiast owners, classic car restorers, and independent mechanics specializing in British sports cars. Provides information for both DIYers and professionals.

Competitors:

Triumph Spitfire, MG MGB, Sunbeam Alpine, Datsun Fairlady (early models), Fiat 850 Spider.

Vehicle Appeal:

Lightweight construction, agile handling, affordable sports car experience, distinctive styling (especially the 'Frogeye' Sprite Mk I).

Manual Value Proposition:

This comprehensive PDF manual provides essential technical data, repair procedures, and diagnostic information crucial for maintaining and restoring these classic vehicles, making it invaluable for owners and mechanics alike.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants:

Covers all engine variants used during the specified production years, including 948cc, 1098cc, and 1275cc OHV inline-4 engines.

Transmission Variants:

Covers both the original ribcase (BMC) gearbox and later close-ratio gearboxes used in the Midget variants.

Total Pages:

331

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, troubleshooting, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetors like SU HS2, HS4, HIF4), exhaust system, engine mounts.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual gearbox removal and installation, clutch system, driveshafts, differential unit.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (independent front, live axle rear), shock absorbers, springs, kingpins, steering rack and linkage, wheel alignment.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system (front disc, rear drum), master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams for all circuits, starter motor, generator/alternator, ignition system (distributor, coil, spark plugs), lighting, gauges, horn.

Bodywork Chassis:

Body shell structure, door mechanisms, window regulators, convertible top mechanism, bumpers, trim, chassis lubrication points.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups, brake adjustments, ignition timing.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, body panel repair, interior component repair.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic fault diagnosis for engine, electrical, braking, and other systems, with symptom-based guidance.

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing, disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling all major components and sub-assemblies.

Diagnostics Testing:

Methods for testing electrical components, fuel pressures, ignition system outputs, and mechanical tolerances.

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from basic tune-ups and fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, tolerances, and procedures for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

Torque Specifications:

Includes detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners, crucial for proper assembly and engine/component longevity.

Pictorial Diagrams:

Features detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings, and photographs to visually guide users through repair and maintenance procedures.

Special Tools:

References and illustrates required special service tools for specific tasks, ensuring correct and safe execution of repairs.

Wear Limits:

Provides specific wear limits and tolerances for critical engine, suspension, and brake components, essential for accurate diagnosis and repair.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Offers systematic troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, helping to identify and resolve common and uncommon vehicle issues efficiently.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

PDF, compatible with Adobe Reader, viewable on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Pages are printable.

Printability:

High-quality PDF designed for clear printing of text, diagrams, and illustrations. All 331 pages are printable.

Binding Description:

Digital (PDF) - no physical binding. Instant download format implies it is not a physical book.

Paper Description:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement Range:

948cc, 1098cc, 1275cc.

Engine Configuration:

Overhead Valve (OHV) Inline-4 cylinder.

Bore Stroke 948Cc:

62.9 mm x 76.2 mm.

Bore Stroke 1098Cc:

71.1 mm x 68.6 mm (approximate, variations existed).

Bore Stroke 1275Cc:

70.6 mm x 81.3 mm.

Horsepower 948Cc:

Approx. 43-46 bhp @ 5500 rpm.

Horsepower 1098Cc:

Approx. 55-59 bhp @ 5500 rpm.

Horsepower 1275Cc:

Approx. 65-66 bhp @ 5750 rpm.

Carburetors:

Primarily SU carburetors: HS2 (1.5-inch) for 948cc and early 1098cc, HS4 (1.75-inch) for later 1098cc and early 1275cc, HIF4 (1.75-inch) for later 1275cc. Manual includes adjustment and rebuild procedures for these.

Fuel Type:

Leaded or Unleaded gasoline (depending on engine modifications and era). Manual provides guidance on ignition timing suitable for different fuel types.

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

4-speed manual transmission. Early models used the BMC 'ribcase' gearbox, later Midgets (and some Sprites) featured improved gearboxes.

Automatic Transmission:

Not available as factory option during this period.

Gear Ratios:

Manual provides specific gear ratios for different gearbox types and models.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 82 inches (2083 mm) for most models, minor variations possible.

Length:

Approx. 135 inches (3429 mm) for early models, slightly longer for later models.

Width:

Approx. 52 inches (1321 mm).

Height:

Approx. 47 inches (1194 mm) to the top of the windscreen, varies with top up/down.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1400-1550 lbs (635-703 kg).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

As a product of its era, these vehicles were not subjected to modern crash safety standards or ratings. The manual emphasizes careful operation and adherence to safety procedures.

Active Safety Features:

Front disc brakes (standard on most later models and optional on earlier ones), responsive steering, lightweight handling characteristics.

Passive Safety Features:

Basic body structure, seat belts (often optional or retrofitted), padded dashboard (in later models). The manual stresses the importance of using safety equipment correctly.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically basic AM radio, often an aftermarket fitment. Manual covers electrical connections relevant to the period.

Driver Aid Systems:

None beyond the inherent handling characteristics of the chassis.

Connectivity Features:

N/A for the period.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months. The manual provides specific oil types and capacities.

Tune Up Frequency:

Recommended annually or every 6,000 miles, including ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, and valve clearance checks. Manual details these procedures.

Engine Oil:

API SF/CD or SG/CD (for unleaded) or equivalent SAE 20W/50 or 10W/40 depending on climate. Manual lists exact specifications and capacities.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with water (50/50 ratio). Manual specifies capacity.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Manual emphasizes using the correct type.

Gearbox Oil:

EP 90 Gear Oil (or equivalent GL-4 specification). Manual details quantity.

Differential Oil:

EP 90 Gear Oil (or equivalent GL-5 specification). Manual details quantity.

Common Problems And Manual Solutions:

Engine oil leaks (common due to seal wear, manual provides seal replacement guides), carburetor issues (gumming, tuning, manual details SU carb maintenance), gearbox synchromesh wear (manual provides rebuild procedures), rust (bodywork, manual offers repair guidance), electrical gremlins (manual provides detailed wiring diagrams and troubleshooting).

Specific Component Wear:

Kingpin wear, ball joint wear, clutch release bearing failure. Manual offers inspection and replacement procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Austin Healey Legacy:

Part of the celebrated British sports car lineage, the Sprite and Midget were designed to be affordable entry points into the world of sports car motoring, building on the reputation of larger Healey models.

Sprite Midget Development:

The Sprite was initially developed by Austin, intended as a 'baby' Healey. BMC later rebadged it as the MG Midget, sharing the same basic platform and powertrain but with distinct styling and trim. Both underwent continuous updates and engine upgrades throughout their production runs.

Production Period:

1958-1971.

Manufacturing Locations:

United Kingdom (primarily Abingdon, Oxfordshire).