Positioning:
Essential resource for owners and independent mechanics seeking to maintain, repair, and restore the 1968 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Professional Quality:
Represents the same level of detail and accuracy used by professional technicians in local service/repair shops.
Completeness:
Complete and intact, ensuring no missing or corrupt parts/pages.
Diagnostic Capability:
Offers comprehensive diagnostic and troubleshooting information for efficient problem resolution.
Cost Savings:
Enables DIY repairs, potentially saving hundreds to thousands of dollars in labor costs.
Authoritative Source:
Written by the manufacturers, providing the most accurate and complete information available.
User Experience:
Features easy-to-follow directions, detailed illustrations, and a clear table of contents for user-friendly navigation.
Engine Service Repair:
Detailed procedures for engine overhaul, component replacement, diagnostics, and tuning.
Transmission Service Repair:
Coverage for gearbox maintenance, repair, and adjustment, including clutch system.
Brake System:
Inspection, repair, and adjustment of hydraulic braking systems, including calipers, master cylinder, and lines.
Wiring Diagram:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for electrical systems, facilitating troubleshooting and repairs.
Electrical System:
Detailed troubleshooting and repair procedures for all electrical components, including lighting, ignition, and accessories.
Suspension:
Maintenance and repair of front and rear suspension components, including springs, shock absorbers, and bushings.
Steering:
Procedures for steering column, rack and pinion, and related components.
Cooling System:
Service and repair of radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses.
Fuel System:
Maintenance and repair of fuel pumps, carburetors (likely SU), fuel lines, and tanks.
Emission System:
Information related to emission control systems as applicable to the 1968 model year.
Chassis Body:
Bodywork repair, chassis inspection, and component replacement.
Interior:
Procedures for interior trim, seating, and dashboard components.
Differential Drive:
Service and maintenance of the rear axle and differential assembly.
Axle:
Information on front and rear axles, including bearing service.
General Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, lubrication, and inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon problems.
Periodic Lubrication:
Specific lubrication points, intervals, and recommended lubricant types.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for taking apart and reassembling vehicle components.
Cleaning Reinstalling:
Guidance on cleaning components during service and proper reinstallation techniques.
Engine Control System:
Details on ignition timing, carburetor synchronization, and emissions control adjustments (where applicable).
Restraint System:
Information pertaining to seat belt installation, adjustment, and maintenance.
Heater Air Conditional:
Service and repair of the heater system. Air conditioning was not a factory option for the Sprite.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, pushrod overhead valve (OHV)
Displacement:
1275 cc (78.0 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
70.6 mm x 81.3 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
Typically 8.8:1 (for standard models)
Horsepower:
Approximately 65-70 bhp (gross) at 5600 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 72-75 lb-ft (gross) at 3000 rpm
Carburetion:
Twin SU HS4 semi-downdraft carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (if modified for unleaded), otherwise leaded premium gasoline.
Ignition System:
Distributor, coil, and spark plugs
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific recommendations for oil type and viscosity.
Grease Points:
Periodic greasing of suspension and steering pivot points (refer to manual for schedule).
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 20W-50 recommended for classic engines, historically SAE 30 or 20W-50). Consider oil with ZDDP additive for flat-tappet camshaft protection.
Coolant:
50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol antifreeze and water. Consult manual for specific type.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 80W-90 or 85W-90). Check manual for precise specification.
Rear Axle Fluid:
GL-5 gear oil (e.g., 80W-90 or 85W-90). Check manual for precise specification.
Rust:
Prone to rust in common British Leyland areas: sills, wheel arches, floor pans, A-posts, and boot floor.
Oil Leaks:
Common at engine and gearbox seals, particularly the rear crankshaft seal and gearbox input/output seals.
Carburetor Tuning:
SU carburetors require periodic adjustment and balancing for optimal performance.
Wiring Issues:
Age-related degradation of wiring insulation can lead to short circuits or intermittent electrical faults.
Suspension Wear:
Worn bushings, ball joints, and kingpins can lead to poor handling and premature tire wear.
