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MOTRS

EH / EJ

1962-1965 / Sedan / Australia

All EH / EJ problems All workshop issues
Common Engine, Red Motor (149ci and 179ci)

Distributor Wear

Symptoms

Misfiring, erratic idle, timing drift, poor fuel economy, hard starting.

Cause

The distributor shaft bushings wear, allowing the shaft to wobble. This causes the points gap to vary and the spark timing to become erratic. The centrifugal advance mechanism's springs weaken, and the vacuum advance diaphragm can rupture.

Fix

Rebuild the distributor, new shaft bushings, points, condenser, advance springs, and vacuum unit.

Budget $100-200 for parts.

Alternatively, fit an electronic ignition module (Pertronix) that replaces the points and condenser with a maintenance-free electronic trigger ($100-150).

This is the single most effective and invisible upgrade you can make to the ignition system.

Cost mentioned in fix
Budget $100-200 for parts$100-150

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Other known issues

Common Engine, Red Motor (149ci and 179ci)

Rear Main Seal Oil Leak

Oil drips from the bellhousing area. Oil accumulates on the underside of the engine and gearbox. Oil spots on the garage floor.
Common Engine, Red Motor (149ci and 179ci)

Worn Valve Guides

Blue smoke on startup that clears after 30-60 seconds. May also smoke on overrun (deceleration after highway driving).
Common Engine, Red Motor (149ci and 179ci)

Carburettor Issues

Hard starting, rough idle, flat spots on acceleration, black smoke, poor fuel economy, fuel smell.
Common Engine, Red Motor (149ci and 179ci)

Cooling System Marginal in Traffic

Temperature gauge rises in slow traffic, particularly on hot days. May push coolant out the overflow.
Minor Transmission

Second Gear Synchro Wear (3-Speed Manual)

Grinding or crunching when shifting into second gear, particularly on quick downshifts.
Minor Transmission

Column Shift Linkage Slop (3-Speed)

Vague, imprecise gear selection from the column-mounted lever.
View all 18 EH / EJ problems