Model:
FX, FJ, FE, FC, FB, EK, EJ
Year Range Covered By Manual:
1948-1963
Manual Edition:
5th Edition
Manual Publication Year:
1963
Target Audience:
Holden owners and mechanics during the 1950s and early 1960s, and enthusiasts/restorers of these classic vehicles today.
Historical Context:
During its publication, this manual would have been a vital resource for maintaining and repairing Holden's popular range of vehicles, competing with other marque-specific manuals and general automotive guides.
Unique Selling Points:
Comprehensive coverage of a significant period of Holden's history, including practical advice on performance tuning and troubleshooting, making it invaluable for classic car enthusiasts.
General Coverage:
Road tests, buying advice, engine work, hotting up, electrical servicing, troubleshooting, workshop hints.
Manual Type:
Tune-Up Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, tuning, carburetion, ignition, cooling, lubrication, fuel system.
Electrical Systems:
Ignition system, lighting, charging system (generator/alternator), starting system, wiring diagrams (implied by troubleshooting).
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (service, repair), clutch, driveshaft, differential (implied by troubleshooting and general workshop hints).
Chassis Systems:
Brakes, steering, suspension (implied by road tests, buying advice, and troubleshooting).
Body And Interior:
General bodywork advice, interior components (implied by buying used advice and road tests).
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine servicing, tune-ups, fluid changes, lubrication, filter replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component repair, electrical component repair, transmission servicing (likely covers common repairs).
Performance Enhancement:
Hotting up procedures (carburetor tuning, ignition timing adjustments for performance).
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting for common problems, fault finding in engine and electrical systems.
Purchase Guidance:
Advice on buying a used Holden, what to look for, common pitfalls.
Depth Of Information:
Covers routine maintenance, common repairs, tuning, and basic performance enhancements. Likely provides practical, workshop-oriented guidance rather than highly detailed engineering specifications.
Scan Quality:
Assumed to be a scanned reproduction of the original 1963 publication. Quality of scans can vary, but typically aims for readability. Searchability of text is dependent on OCR quality.
Original Binding:
Likely stapled or perfect bound for the original print edition.
Original Paper Type:
Standard paper stock typical of automotive manuals of the era.
Holden Fx Fj Fe Engine:
Holden 'Grey' Inline 6-cylinder. Initially 132.5 cu. in. (2.17 L). Later models (FE onwards) saw variations including the 138 cu. in. (2.26 L).
Holden Fc Fb Ek Ej Engine:
Continued use of the 'Grey' Inline 6-cylinder, with displacements typically 138 cu. in. (2.26 L) and later 149 cu. in. (2.44 L) in some EJ models.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 42-60 hp (net) for earlier models, increasing with later engine variants and tuning.
Torque Range:
Approximately 75-95 lb-ft (net) for earlier models, increasing with displacement and tuning.
Carburetion:
Primarily single-barrel downdraft carburetors (e.g., Stromberg, Holden-Stromberg). Performance tuning may involve dual carburetors or larger single units.
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline (Ethyl).
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system with a radiator and fan.
Oil Type Specification:
SAE 20W/30 or 20W/40 conventional engine oil, depending on climate. Specific Holden recommendations should be consulted within the manual.
Grey Engine Variants:
Engines designated with prefixes like 6-50.xxx, 6-80.xxx, 6-130.xxx (indicating engine family and displacement/variant).
Fx Fj Fe Fc Transmission:
3-speed Manual Transmission (column shift).
Fb Ek Ej Transmission:
3-speed Manual Transmission (column shift) standard. Optional Hydramatic (GM automatic transmission) available on some models, notably EJ.
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate clutch.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios would be detailed in the manual. Typical for the era, with closer ratios for better performance.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 90 or SAE 80W-90. Check manual for specific Holden part numbers or equivalent.
Hydramatic Fluid:
GM Dexron Type A, or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Vehicle Type:
Compact/Small Family Car (Sedan, Wagon, Coupe Utility).
Wheelbase:
Varied across models, e.g., FX/FJ approximately 95 inches (2413 mm), later models increased slightly.
Track Width:
Specific front and rear track widths would need to be sourced from detailed model specifications, but typical for the era.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2000-2300 lbs (900-1050 kg) depending on body style and features.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Typically around 3000 lbs (1360 kg) for sedan models.
Historical Safety Standards:
Safety standards of the era were significantly less stringent than modern vehicles. Features like seat belts and collapsible steering columns were not standard or widely adopted until later in this period or after.
Braking System:
Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. Manual details will cover adjustment and servicing.
Steering System:
Recirculating ball steering, typically non-assisted.
Body Construction:
Body-on-chassis construction. Later models transitioned to unibody construction (e.g., FC onwards) which offered improved rigidity and crashworthiness for the time.
Seat Belts:
Not standard on all models within this range. Likely an optional accessory or retrofitted in later years.
Original Infotainment:
AM Radio (optional), basic dashboard instrumentation (speedometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure, ammeter).
Original Driver Assistance:
None by modern standards. Basic mechanical features like powerful brakes (for the time) and precise steering were the primary assistance.
Original Connectivity:
None.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months. Manual will provide specific guidance.
Tune Up Interval:
Recommended every 5,000-6,000 miles (8,000-10,000 km) or annually. Covers ignition points, condenser, spark plugs, carburetor adjustment.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Typically every 10,000-12,000 miles (16,000-19,000 km). Manual provides clearance specifications.
Transmission Service Interval:
Gearbox oil change usually every 12,000-15,000 miles (19,000-24,000 km). Automatic transmission fluid change as per manufacturer recommendation (e.g., 20,000 miles).
Coolant Specification:
Water mixed with a corrosion inhibitor. Modern equivalent would be a 50/50 mix of distilled water and conventional ethylene glycol coolant.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (low boiling point type).
Grease Specification:
General purpose chassis grease (lithium-based or calcium-based) for lubrication points.
Engine Wear:
Worn piston rings, bearings, and valve guides due to age and mileage. Oil consumption is common. Gasket leaks (head, manifold) can occur.
Ignition System:
Points wear, condenser failure, distributor cap and rotor wear leading to misfires. Coil failures can occur.
Carburetion:
Carburetor wear, float level issues, clogged jets can cause poor idling or performance. 'Hotting up' might introduce tuning instability.
Cooling System:
Radiator leaks, blocked cores, worn water pump seals, perished hoses can lead to overheating.
Electrical Corrosion:
Corroded wiring terminals, switches, and grounds are common issues in older vehicles, leading to intermittent electrical faults.
Chassis Corrosion:
Rust and corrosion, particularly in floor pans, sills, and structural members, is a significant concern for vehicles of this age.
Holden Brand Origin:
General Motors subsidiary established in Australia. Holden produced its first all-Australian car, the 48-215 (FX), in 1948.
Fx:
Introduced in 1948. Styled on the Chevrolet Styleline. First Australian mass-produced car.
Fj:
Introduced in 1950. Minor styling updates to the FX, with a more Americanised front end resembling the Chevrolet Bel Air.
Fe:
Introduced in 1953. A completely new body-on-chassis design, larger and more powerful than previous models, featuring a 2.15 L engine.
Fc:
Introduced in 1956. A facelift of the FE, with updated styling and improved features. First Holden with optional Hydramatic automatic transmission (though less common).
Fb:
Introduced in 1959. Marked a significant shift to unibody construction and modern styling influenced by European design trends. Featured a 138 cu. in. engine.
Ek:
Introduced in 1961. A minor update to the FB, with updated grille and trim. Continued the unibody construction and 138 cu. in. engine.
Ej:
Introduced in 1962. Introduced the larger 149 cu. in. (2.44 L) engine option and the popular 'Premier' luxury trim level. Continued unibody construction and offered optional Hydramatic.
Production Location:
Australia (Adelaide, South Australia).
