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MOTRS

1600 / 510

1967-1973 / Sedan / Japan

All 1600 / 510 problems All workshop issues
Common Electrical

Alternator/Generator Failure

Symptoms

Dim lights, dead battery, charging warning light.

Cause

Early 510/1600s use a generator (dynamo); later cars have an alternator. Both types have worn brushes and failed regulators after 55 years.

Fix

Replace or rebuild.

An alternator upgrade (if still on a generator) improves charging significantly.

Cost: $80--200.

Cost mentioned in fix
Cost: $80

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// More 1600 / 510 problems

Other known issues

Common Electrical

Basic Wiring Deterioration

Intermittent lights, non-functioning accessories, no-start conditions.
Common Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft, spongy, or perforated floor pans. Wet carpet after rain. Road noise increases noticeably as the floors thin. In extreme cases, the floor is partially or entirely gone.
Minor Body and Structure

Sill (Rocker Panel) Corrosion

The outer sill skin softens and crumbles. Door alignment changes as the inner sill structure weakens. The car may creak or flex over bumps.
Minor Body and Structure

Inner Guard and Strut Tower Corrosion

The inner front fenders around the MacPherson strut top mounts corrode and thin. In severe cases, the strut tower can deform under load.
Critical Body and Structure

Rear Wheel Arch Corrosion

Bubbling paint, perforation, and structural weakening of the inner and outer rear wheel arches.
Common Body and Structure

Spare Tyre Well Corrosion

The boot floor around the spare tyre well perforates. Water pools in the spare tyre recess.
View all 17 1600 / 510 problems