Time to dig deeper, beneath the bonnet
THE NEXT STEPS… 12 Steering lubrication
Check the steering rack’s gaiters for splits and replace if imperfect. Oil the rack with 10 pumps of EP90 gear oil through the nipple accessed from the passenger footwell. Check track rod end boots for splits and, if nipples are present, grease with multipurpose grease.
13 Front brakes
Check the brake flexi hoses for cracking, splitting or corrosion. Replace if imperfect. Slacken the brake adjusters and remove drum. Check for fluid leaks and that the shoes have plenty of material left. Refit drums and adjust until they are just dragging.
14 Front wheel bearings
Check for play in the wheel bearings by rocking the wheel top and bottom. Spin to check for roughness and replace worn bearings.
15 Rear Brakes
Check the flexible brake hose between the axle union and body for cracking, damage or corrosion. Replace if imperfect. Slacken the brake adjusters and remove drum. Check for fluid leaks and that the shoes have plenty of material left. Refit drums and adjust until they are just dragging with the handbrake fully off.
16 Handbrake
Having adjusted the rear brakes with the handbrake off, adjust cable tension as required using the nuts on the back of the lever. You will need to lift the carpet to access them. Grease the handbrake cables if they are fitted with nipples. Check for fraying.
REAR SUSPENSION AND BRAKES 17 Dampers and prop
Check the dampers for leaks and top up as required. Grease the universal joints on the propshaft and check for excess play in the joints and backlash in the differential.
UNDER THE BONNET 18 Change engine oil
With the engine warm, drain the engine oil. Change the paper filter element or upgrade to a spin-on filter, which makes filter changes much cleaner and more straightforward. Refit the sump plug and refill the system with good quality 20w50 oil.
19 Valve clearances
Set valve clearances using the rule of 9. When valve 8 is fully open, adjust the clearance on valve 1 and so on. Use the starting handle to turn the engine for simplicity. Clearance (cold) is 0.012in.
20 Distributor checks
Set the contact breaker points gap to 0.015in every 3000 miles. Replace every 6000. Check the rotor arm and cap for corrosion or burning. Lightly grease the cam lobes and oil the distributor shaft. Check the condition of the HT leads.
21 Spark plugs
Use a blow torch to clean deposits from plugs and check them for pitting or fractures. Replace if imperfect or every 12,000 miles. Set gaps to 0.025in. Apply a dab of copper grease to threads.
22 Ignition timing
If the car is running well, it may not be necessary to alter the ignition timing. This will need refining on the road in any case, but as a starting point, set at 3° BTDC for a 1098. Advance slightly until the engine ‘pinks’ under load then retard slightly.
23 Carburettor checks
Ensure that the dashpot is topped up with
SAE 20 oil. With the engine warm, adjust the idle mixture so that the idle speed rises then falls off when the carburettor lift pin is raised. Change the air filter every 6000 miles or if dirty.
24 Cooling system
Check hoses for cracking or leaks. Rock the fan to test for play in the water pump and replace if imperfect. Flush the system and refill with blue coolant every two years. Check and adjust the fan belt while you’re there.
INTERIOR CHECKS 25 Brake fluid
The brake master cylinder is located under the driver’s feet in the chassis leg. Check the fluid level and top up as required. Identify any leaks in the system that may have caused the level to drop. Completely renew DOT 4 brake fluid every two years.
26 Sitting comfortably?
Check seatbelts for fraying, damage and proper operation. Check that inertia reel belts retract fully and smoothly. Check pedal rubbers are present and in good condition. Lubricate pedal pivots with oil. Ensure, too, that the seats themselves are secure.
27 Electrics
Test all of the electrical systems. Indicators, fuel gauge and wipers share the ignition live fuse.
Horn and interior light share a permanent live fuse. If these groups of components are faulty, check the fuse box for cleanliness and condition first.