Target Audience:
Owners of 1969 Austin MG Sprite and MG Midget vehicles seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, and restoration.
Authenticity:
Genuine factory service manuals, not third-party publications, providing the most accurate and comprehensive information.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform their own servicing and repairs, saving significant labor costs compared to professional mechanics.
Ease Of Use:
Designed to be user-friendly, even for those not highly skilled with computers, with clear instructions and printable pages.
Engine Service:
Comprehensive engine service, repair, overhaul, and tuning procedures.
Transmission Service:
Service and repair for manual transmissions.
Brake System:
Detailed procedures for maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of the braking system.
Electrical System:
Complete coverage including wiring diagrams, troubleshooting, and repair of all electrical components.
Suspension Steering:
Service and repair for suspension and steering systems, including alignment specifications.
Fuel System:
Coverage of fuel injection (if applicable to specific variants) and fuel system components.
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair of the engine cooling system, including radiator and thermostat.
Chassis Body:
Bodywork repair, chassis maintenance, and structural information.
Emission Control:
Information related to the emission control system.
Interior Trim:
Coverage of interior components and trim.
Differential Drive:
Service and repair of the rear axle and differential.
Maintenance:
General maintenance, periodic lubrication, and routine servicing procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive troubleshooting guides to diagnose and resolve common and complex issues.
Repair Rebuild:
Step-by-step repair and rebuild procedures for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic procedures for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Tuning:
Engine tuning and performance adjustment guidance.
Depth:
Full factory technical depth, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and component overhauls.
Included Visuals:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged insets for parts identification and procedure clarity.
Safety Guidance:
Includes critical notes, cautions, and warnings throughout each chapter.
Compatibility:
Compatible with all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac.
Printability:
Fully printable, allowing users to print entire manual, chapters, or individual pages without restriction.
Resolution:
High resolution for clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download - Printable)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download - User Printed)
Searchability:
Searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.
Table Of Contents:
Numbered table of contents for easy and fast navigation.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder OHV
Displacement:
948 cc (0.95L) for early models, 1098 cc (1.1L) for later 1969 models (check specific VIN for confirmation).
Bore X Stroke:
948cc: 2.56 in x 2.87 in (65.0 mm x 73.0 mm); 1098cc: 2.74 in x 2.87 in (69.3 mm x 73.0 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.3:1 to 9.0:1 (varies by engine variant and tuning)
Horsepower:
Approximately 48-55 bhp (gross) for 948cc; 55-60 bhp (gross) for 1098cc
Torque:
Approximately 52-55 lb-ft (gross) for 948cc; 63-65 lb-ft (gross) for 1098cc
Carburetion:
Typically twin SU (Skinners Union) carburetors (e.g., HS2 or HS4 models).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (though leaded fuel was common at the time, unleaded is recommended for modern use with appropriate additives).
Type:
4-speed manual transmission.
Automatic:
Not typically offered or common for this model year.
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in the manual, common close-ratio setups for sporty driving.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically actuated clutch.
Wheelbase:
77 inches (1956 mm)
Length:
Approx. 145 inches (3683 mm)
Width:
Approx. 55 inches (1397 mm)
Height:
Approx. 49 inches (1245 mm) (coupe/roadster, excluding convertible top)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,550 - 1,650 lbs (700 - 750 kg), depending on body style and options.
Crash Safety:
Vehicle design predates modern safety rating systems; emphasis on basic structural integrity and occupant protection for its era.
Brakes:
Hydraulically operated disc brakes (front) and drum brakes (rear).
Seatbelts:
Lap belts typically standard; shoulder belts may be optional or fitted as an aftermarket upgrade.
Windshield:
Laminated safety glass windshield.
Features:
Basic instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel gauge, oil pressure, water temperature, ammeter. Radio was typically an optional accessory.
Features:
None by modern standards. Driver aids are limited to the mechanical systems of the vehicle.
Features:
No electronic connectivity features.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, though the manual will provide precise factory recommendations.
Tune Up:
Recommended at intervals based on mileage or time for spark plug replacement, ignition timing, and carburetor adjustment.
Engine Oil:
API SF/SG or equivalent, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 20W-50 depending on ambient temperature (manual to confirm).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with water (50/50 ratio recommended). Specific types confirmed in manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Transmission Oil:
GL-4 Hypoid gear oil (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual).
Differential Oil:
GL-5 Hypoid gear oil (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual).
Common Problems:
Oil leaks (rocker cover, sump, crankshaft seals), carburetor tuning issues, electrical gremlins ( Lucas systems), rust (especially sills, wheel arches, floor pans), clutch wear, and brake component wear.
Marque Focus:
Austin-Healey Sprite and MG Midget are iconic British sports cars known for their nimble handling and affordable performance.
Generation:
This manual covers the 'Midget' (and its Sprite twin) MkII/MkIII generation, which saw significant updates including the larger 1098cc engine and disc front brakes.
Manufacturing Location:
United Kingdom
Production Years For Model:
Sprite: 1958-1971; Midget: 1961-1979 (this manual specifically covers the 1969 model year).
