🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Austin-Healey

Model:

Sprite / Midget

Product Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact, rear-wheel-drive sports car, popular for its affordability, handling, and classic styling.

Competitors:

Lotus Seven, Triumph Spitfire, Datsun Fairlady, Fiat 850 Spider.

Vehicle Appeal:

Lightweight construction, responsive handling, classic British sports car experience, ease of maintenance and modification.

Value:

Provides comprehensive DIY repair and maintenance capabilities, saving significant costs associated with professional servicing for these classic vehicles.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1958-1971

Model Generations Covered:

All Austin-Healey Sprite and MG Midget models produced between 1958 and 1971, encompassing Mk1 (Bugeye) Sprite, Mk2 Sprite/Midget, Mk3 Sprite/Midget, and Mk4 Sprite/Midget.

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as 'very detailed')

Type:

Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

Digital Compatibility:

Windows and MAC computers, tablets, and smartphones

Usage License:

Lifetime use, unlimited installations on multiple devices

Renewal Policy:

No renewal fees or expiry dates

Printable:

Yes, individual pages or the entire manual can be printed.

Searchable:

Implied by PDF format, enabling efficient information retrieval.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting, and component overhaul for all engine variants used during the specified period.

Fuel System:

Carburetor adjustment and overhaul (e.g., SU, Weber), fuel pump, fuel lines, and tank servicing.

Ignition System:

Distributor, spark plugs, coils, wiring, and ignition timing procedures.

Cooling System:

Radiator, hoses, thermostat, water pump, and fan servicing.

Exhaust System:

Manifold, pipes, muffler, and catalytic converter (if applicable for later models) inspection and replacement.

Transmission:

Manual gearbox overhaul, clutch replacement, and driveshaft servicing.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension component inspection, repair, and replacement (e.g., kingpins, bushings, shock absorbers, springs).

Steering:

Steering rack, linkages, and column servicing and adjustment.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system (master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines), drum and disc brake servicing, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator/generator, battery, lighting system, instruments, and accessory troubleshooting.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel alignment, rust repair, door and window mechanisms, convertible top servicing, and chassis component inspection.

Interior:

Seat removal and repair, dashboard components, and trim panel servicing.

Maintenance:

Regular servicing, lubrication schedules, fluid level checks, filter replacements, and tune-up procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic guides for common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.

Overhaul:

Comprehensive rebuild procedures for major mechanical components like engines and transmissions.

Adjustment:

Precise instructions for adjusting carburetors, ignition timing, brakes, clutch, and suspension.

Inspection:

Guidelines for inspecting various components for wear, damage, or malfunction.

Depth:

Professional-grade, suitable for both novice mechanics and experienced technicians. Covers basic to advanced repairs and diagnostics.

Visuals:

Hundreds of detailed photos and exploded diagrams illustrating disassembly, reassembly, and component identification.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Resolution:

High resolution, ensuring clarity of text and images for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital download - printable)

Paper Recommendation:

N/A (Digital download - user chooses printing paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants:

948cc OHV Inline-4 (BMC A-Series), 1098cc OHV Inline-4 (BMC A-Series), 1275cc OHV Inline-4 (BMC A-Series).

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 34-65 bhp depending on engine variant and tuning.

Torque Range:

Approx. 45-70 lb-ft depending on engine variant and tuning.

Carburetion:

Typically single or twin SU carburetors (e.g., HS2, HS4), later models may have Zenith-Stromberg or Weber.

Block Material:

Cast iron

Head Material:

Cast iron

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed manual synchromesh (later models featured full synchromesh on all gears).

Availability:

No automatic transmission options were typically offered for these models.

Gearbox Layout:

Transaxle arrangement (gearbox integrated with differential in some early models, separate later).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 78 inches (1981 mm)

Length:

Approx. 140-145 inches (3556-3683 mm)

Width:

Approx. 54-56 inches (1372-1422 mm)

Height:

Approx. 48-50 inches (1219-1270 mm) (top up)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1400-1600 lbs (635-726 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Era:

Pre-modern safety rating era; designed to pre-date mandatory crash testing.

Braking System:

Hydraulic drum brakes front and rear on early models; front disc brakes introduced on later Midgets and Sprites.

Seatbelts:

Optional or standard depending on year and market; often lap belts.

Windscreen:

Laminated safety glass from mid-production onwards.

💡 Technology Features

Features:

Basic AM radio may have been an option; primarily focused on driving experience rather than extensive electronics.

Features:

N/A (No modern driver assistance systems were available or conceived during this era).

Features:

N/A (No electronic connectivity features).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era); manual will specify exact intervals.

Grease Points:

Regular lubrication of suspension and steering components as per schedule outlined in the manual.

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific grades (e.g., 20W50 is common for these engines). API service classification will be detailed.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with water (typically 50/50 ratio) for corrosion and freeze protection.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for precise specification).

Gearbox Oil:

Specific gear oil (e.g., GL-4) as recommended by the manufacturer.

Rear Axle Oil:

Specific gear oil for differential, potentially with limited-slip additive if applicable.

Common Problems:

Rust (particularly sills, wheel arches, boot floor), oil leaks, worn kingpins and bushings, carburetor tuning issues, electrical gremlins, clutch wear.

Manual Utility For Issues:

The manual provides diagnostic steps and repair procedures specifically for these common aging vehicle issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History:

Austin-Healey is synonymous with classic British sports cars, known for producing affordable, agile, and fun-to-drive vehicles.

Sprite Evolution:

The Sprite Mk1 ('Bugeye' or 'Frogeye') was introduced in 1958, followed by the Mk2 Sprite and the badge-engineered MG Midget in 1961. Subsequent iterations (Mk3, Mk4, and Midget Mk3, Mk4) saw styling updates, engine upgrades, and improved features.

Manufacturing Location:

Abingdon-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England.

Total Production Run:

Over 250,000 units combined for Sprite and Midget across all generations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

Not typically subject to formal automotive awards in the modern sense, but widely recognized as a benchmark affordable sports car of its era.

Manual Recognition:

Highly regarded within the classic Austin-Healey and MG communities as an essential resource for owners and restorers.