Market Segment:
Family sedans and station wagons, representing a significant step forward in Australian automotive design and engineering for Holden.
Competitors:
Ford Falcon (XM/XP), Chrysler Valiant (AP5/AP6), Austin Freeway.
Design Innovation:
Unibody construction, distinctive styling, introduction of more powerful 'Red' engines.
Target Audience:
Families, enthusiasts, collectors of classic Australian vehicles.
Engine:
6-cylinder Red motor (149 cu in, 179 cu in, 226 cu in OHV), 4-cylinder Grey motor (138 cu in OHV)
Fuel System:
Carburetor service (Stromberg, Zenith), Fuel pump operation and repair
Cooling System:
Radiator, Water pump, Thermostat, Fan
Ignition System:
Distributor, Ignition coil, Spark plugs, Timing
Transmission:
Manual (3-speed, 4-speed), Automatic (Hydramatic)
Drivetrain:
Clutch, Propeller shaft, Rear axle and differential
Brakes:
Drum brakes (front and rear), Hydraulic system, Brake fluid specifications
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (ball joints, tie rods), Rear leaf springs, Shock absorbers
Steering:
Steering box, Tie rods, Steering column
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, Lighting, Horn, Ignition switch, Generator/Alternator (optional for EH), Battery
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, Door mechanisms, Window regulators, Seat adjustments
Interior:
Dashboard layout, Instrument cluster, Trim panels
Maintenance:
Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug gap and replacement, Coolant flushing, Brake fluid replacement
Troubleshooting:
Engine starting issues, Overheating, Poor performance, Electrical faults
Repair:
Engine rebuilds (top and bottom end), Transmission overhaul, Brake system repair, Suspension component replacement
Adjustment:
Carburetor tuning, Ignition timing, Clutch adjustment, Brake shoe adjustment
Diagnostics:
Compression testing, Ignition system testing, Fuel system pressure checks
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, component replacement, and major overhauls.
Detail Level:
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, and step-by-step instructions.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchable:
Yes, typically text-searchable for quick information retrieval.
Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing essential sections or the entire manual.
Binding:
Not applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper:
Not applicable (Digital PDF)
Eh Engine Options:
149 cu in (2.45L) Red inline-6, 179 cu in (2.93L) Red inline-6
Ej Engine Options:
138 cu in (2.26L) Grey inline-6, 149 cu in (2.45L) Red inline-6 (late models)
Carburetor Types:
Stromberg single-barrel (149, 138), Stromberg or Zenith twin-barrel (179, optional later 149)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Note: vehicles of this era typically used Leaded Petrol, manual will specify)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Eh Standard Transmission:
3-speed Manual Column Shift
Ej Standard Transmission:
3-speed Manual Column Shift
Eh Optional Transmission:
3-speed Hydramatic Automatic (column shift)
Eh Performance Transmission:
4-speed Manual (floor shift, often a dealer fitment or specific option)
Ej Optional Transmission:
3-speed Hydramatic Automatic (column shift)
Automatic Clutch:
Torque converter
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first. Manual will confirm.
Ignition Tune Up:
Recommended at 6,000-12,000 miles (9,600-19,200 km). Manual will provide details.
Engine Oil Type:
API SF or SG equivalent SAE 20W-50 (or 10W-30 for colder climates). Manual specifies exact grades.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Manual will confirm specific concentrations.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 90
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III / Mercon compatible fluid (though original specification may differ, consult manual)
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, floor pans, door bottoms.
Engine Wear:
Valve stem seals, piston ring wear, potential for oil leaks on higher mileage units.
Suspension Wear:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, kingpins (depending on front end design variations).
Electrical Aging:
Wiring loom degradation, Lucas components (if fitted), generator issues (before alternator adoption).
Holden Legacy:
Holden is an iconic Australian automotive brand, known for producing vehicles tailored to Australian conditions and preferences.
Ej Introduction:
Launched in 1962, the EJ was a significant departure with its modern styling and introduction of the 'Red' engine family.
Eh Introduction:
Launched in 1963 as an update to the EJ, the EH featured updated styling, improved engines, and a wider range of body styles.
Production Period:
EJ: 1962-1963, EH: 1963-1965
Production Volume:
Significant volume for Holden, contributing to its market leadership in Australia.
Status:
Highly sought after by Australian classic car collectors and enthusiasts.
