Owners Manual
INSTRUMENTS
AND
CONTROLS
A/7
the bulb to light indicates a break in the ignition
circuit from the battery to the distributor. This may
be due to a poor terminal connection or to a burnt
out coil.
By connecting the test lamp bulb between earth and
other low tension points in the distributor, the flow
of
the ignition current can be accurately traced
as
far
as
the earthed contact breaker point.
Alternatively a quick general check, as to whether
the low tension ignition circuit
is
in order, can be
obtained
by
watching the ammeter needle when the
ignition is switched
on
and the engine is turned
slowly by hand.
Ifthe
circuit is in order the ammeter
needle will flicker
as
the contact breaker points open
and close.
(v)
A poor connection between the high tension
cable terminal in the distributor cap and the distri-
butor rotor arm.
(vi) Dirty, sooted or oiled-up plugs.
DRIVING
The following speeds should
not
be exceeded
during the first
500
miles.
1st
7
2nd
12
3rd
18
Top
30
m.p.h.
The gearbox has four forward speeds and a reverse.
To engage first gear, move the gear lever towards
the fascia and then upwards. Engaging second gear is
achieved by moving the gear lever steadily downwards
through neutral to the next gear.
For
third gear move
the lever upwards into neutral, then towards the steering
wheel, and finally upwards into third. Top gear is gained
by
the lever being brought downwards, parallel to the
steering wheel, through neutral into the last gear position.
To engage reverse, move the lever towards the
fascia
as
far
as
it
will go,
at
the same time pulling out-
wards on the knob on the end
of
the lever and then move
the lever downwards.
If
when the clutch is let in the car does not move it
will mean that there has been no proper engagement
of
the gear. Declutch again when
it
will be found that the
gear lever may be moved forward to give the correct
engagement. Never use force, but always move the gear
lever as far
as
it
will
go.
When the car is travelling
at
about 7 m.p.h. engage
second gear. Engaging a higher gear is effected
by
de-
clutching, moving the gear lever steadily through neutral
to the next gear and then letting in the clutch smoothly.
The accelerator must be depressed gently as the clutch
is
let
into
ensure the drive is taken up smoothly.
Engage third gear
at
approximately
12
m.p.h. and
top gear
at
approximately
18
m.p.h.
Fig. 10. The gear change.
Pull
out
end
of
lever before engaging reverse gear.
When changing down a smoother gear change is
made
if
the accelerator is kept depressed
to
provide the
extra engine speed to suit the lower gear.
Never engage reverse gear unless the car is stationary.
Gear changing may be slightly stiff in a new vehicle
until the moving parts have eased in use. Changing
should therefore be done deliberately but
not
hurriedly.
Always change down early on a hill since the engine
will
not
be able to pick up speed
if
the car has almost
stopped. Third gear should be engaged when the car's
speed falls below
20 m.p.h. in top gear.
Keep the foot off the clutch pedal except in heavy
traffic or excessive wear
of
the clutch linings and carbon
release ring will result. Even when driving
in
heavy
traffic the weight
of
the foot should
not
be taken by the
clutch pedal.
Engage low gear when descending a steep hill and
leave the clutch engaged, as the engine will then serve
as
a very effective brake.
When braking, use the pedal and leave the clutch
in, only disengaging it
at
the last moment before stop-
ping. The handbrake should only be used when parking
the car, negotiating traffic, or when starting away on a
hill.
Always apply the footbrake progressively to secure
the required retardation. Fierce braking is bad for the
car, wears the tyres excessively and on a wet or icy road
is very dangerous.
After the car has been washed or driven through
water, dry out the brakes by gently applying them for
some distance. Keep the handbrake hard on when the
car
is
being washed.