🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

MG / Austin-Healey

Model:

Midget / Sprite

Vehicle Codes Covered:

AH MK II/III, Midget MK I/II

Vehicle Generations Covered:

Covers the relevant generations for Austin Healey Sprite Mark II & III and MG Midget Mark I & II.

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, owners, and professional mechanics working on classic MG Midget and Austin Healey Sprite models.

Value Proposition:

Provides an inexpensive and detailed source for maintaining and repairing these iconic British sports cars.

Manual Style:

Written instructions with diagrams and pictures for clarity.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Summary:

Comprehensive service and repair information for the specified MG Midget and Austin Healey Sprite models.

Estimated Page Count:

Estimated based on file size and typical manual depth; likely several hundred pages. Actual count not provided.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed coverage of 948cc and 1098cc 4-cylinder engines, including overhaul, tuning, and component specifics.

Ignition System:

Ignition system diagnosis, maintenance, and repair, including distributor, spark plugs, and ignition timing.

Cooling System:

Cooling system maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting, covering radiators, water pumps, thermostats, and hoses.

Fuel System:

Fuel system components, including carburetors (likely SU or Weber variants), fuel pumps, lines, and tank maintenance.

Drivetrain Clutch:

Clutch operation, adjustment, replacement, and troubleshooting for the dry clutch assembly.

Drivetrain Gearbox:

Gearbox overhaul, repair, and maintenance procedures, including gear selection and lubrication.

Drivetrain Propeller Shaft:

Propeller shaft and universal joint inspection, maintenance, and replacement.

Rear Axle Suspension:

Rear axle assembly, differential, half-shafts, and leaf spring suspension maintenance and repair.

Steering System:

Steering box, linkages, and steering column maintenance and repair.

Front Suspension:

Front suspension components, including wishbones, kingpins, shock absorbers, and kingpin overhaul.

Brake System:

Hydraulic brake system, including master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake shoes/pads, drums/discs, and lines.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system (alternator/dynamo), lighting, and instrumentation.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel bearing maintenance, tire pressure recommendations, and wheel installation procedures.

Bodywork:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, hood latches, and interior trim related information.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, lubrication, and tune-up procedures.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems and components.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures and common fault finding for various vehicle issues.

Overhaul:

Complete overhaul procedures for engines, gearboxes, and other major mechanical assemblies.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Includes wiring diagrams and troubleshooting steps for common electrical faults, a critical aspect for maintaining these older vehicles.

Carburetor Tuning:

Detailed instructions for tuning SU or other fitted carburetors, essential for engine performance and efficiency.

Suspension Rebuild:

Comprehensive guidance on rebuilding front and rear suspension components, including kingpins and bushings.

Depth:

Factory-level detail suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.

Illustrations:

Includes detailed illustrations, diagrams, and pictures to guide repair and maintenance tasks.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

File Size:

68 MB

Software Requirements:

Adobe Acrobat Reader, WinZip or WinRAR for extraction.

Printability:

Printable on a page-by-page basis.

Binding:

Digital (not physically bound).

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

948 cc

Engine 1 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Engine 1 Bore Stroke:

Approximately 73.03mm x 57.8mm (typical for BMC A-Series 948cc).

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

Typically around 8.3:1 for standard models.

Engine 1 Power Output:

Around 45-55 bhp depending on specific tune and model.

Engine 1 Torque:

Around 55-65 lb-ft depending on specific tune and model.

Engine 2 Displacement:

1098 cc

Engine 2 Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder

Engine 2 Bore Stroke:

Approximately 80.6mm x 53.5mm (typical for BMC A-Series 1098cc).

Engine 2 Compression Ratio:

Typically around 8.3:1 or 8.4:1 for standard models.

Engine 2 Power Output:

Around 55-65 bhp depending on specific tune and model (e.g., Sprite MkIII, Midget MkII).

Engine 2 Torque:

Around 70-78 lb-ft depending on specific tune and model.

Carburetor Type:

Likely SU (e.g., HS2, HS4) or potentially Weber downdraft carburetors, depending on specific model and market.

Oil Type Recommendation:

The manual specifies recommended lubricants. Historically, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 multigrade oils were common. Modern equivalents with appropriate ZDDP content are often recommended for flat-tappet camshafts.

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

Manual gearbox, typically a 4-speed synchromesh transmission (later models featured full synchromesh on all gears).

Automatic Transmission:

Not typically offered on these models, manual transmission was standard.

Gearbox Fluid Type:

The manual will specify the correct transmission fluid. Historically, GL-4 hypoid gear oil was used.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 82 inches (2083 mm) for Midget Mk I/II and Sprite Mk II/III.

Overall Length:

Approx. 142 inches (3607 mm) for Midget Mk I/II and Sprite Mk II/III.

Overall Width:

Approx. 55 inches (1397 mm) for Midget Mk I/II and Sprite Mk II/III.

Overall Height:

Approx. 49 inches (1245 mm) to the top of the windscreen (roof up will be higher).

Curb Weight:

Typically around 1500-1700 lbs (680-770 kg) depending on exact model and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly stated but implied for safe operation with occupants and luggage.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

No formal crash test data comparable to modern standards exists for vehicles of this era. The manual focuses on mechanical integrity and repair.

Braking System Type:

Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels for earlier models, with front disc brakes introduced on later Mk II Sprites and Mk I Midgets.

Seatbelts:

Seatbelts were often optional or not fitted to earliest models; later models may have provisions for them. The manual would likely cover their installation or inspection if fitted.

Chassis Construction:

Body-on-chassis construction with integrated structural elements for rigidity.

💡 Technology Features

Original Infotainment:

Basic AM radio (optional) or no radio. Focus is on mechanical and driving experience, not advanced tech.

Driver Assistance Systems:

None. These vehicles predate modern driver assistance technologies.

Connectivity Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months. The manual will provide specific recommendations.

Tune Up Interval:

Regular tune-ups (ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, spark plugs) recommended every 6,000-12,000 miles or as needed.

Coolant Type:

A mixture of antifreeze and water. The manual will specify the correct ratio and type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on original specifications. The manual will provide the precise type.

Common Wear Items:

Kingpins, suspension bushings, clutch wear, carburetor leaks, and electrical connections are common areas requiring attention.

Rust Prone Areas:

Sills, wheel arches, floor pans, and chassis outriggers are susceptible to rust, particularly in damp climates. Bodywork section would cover repair.

Engine Oil Leaks:

Minor oil leaks from seals and gaskets are not uncommon due to the age of the vehicles. The manual provides guidance on gasket replacement.

Filter Part Numbers:

While not explicitly listed in the product description, a comprehensive manual would often include cross-referenced part numbers for common consumables like oil filters, fuel filters, and spark plugs.

📚 Vehicle History

Mg Heritage:

MG has a long-standing reputation for producing affordable, sporty, and engaging two-seater open-top cars, epitomized by the Midget lineage.

Austin Healey Heritage:

Austin Healey is renowned for its distinctive styling, performance, and sporting heritage in rallying and racing.

Sprite Evolution:

The Austin Healey Sprite, starting with the Frogeye (Mk I), evolved through Mk II and Mk III, sharing mechanicals with the MG Midget.

Midget Evolution:

The MG Midget, launched as a badge-engineered Austin Healey Sprite Mk II, continued its development through several iterations, including the Mk I and Mk II covered here.

Production Period:

Austin Healey Sprite Mk II & III: 1961-1971. MG Midget Mk I & II: 1961-1966.

Manufacturing Location:

Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England (MG factory).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorsport Heritage:

Both models have a strong club racing and historic motorsport presence, proving their enduring appeal and capability.

Classic Car Status:

Recognized as popular classic British sports cars, with strong owner communities and support.