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MOTRS

FJ / FE / FC

1953-1960 / Sedan / Coupe / Australia

All FJ / FE / FC problems All workshop issues
Critical Electrical

Corroded Wiring

Symptoms

Intermittent electrical faults, lights flickering, instruments dropping out, horn not working, starter motor intermittent.

Cause

The cloth-insulated wiring used in the 1950s deteriorates over seven decades. The insulation becomes brittle and crumbles, causing short circuits and open circuits. Connector terminals corrode. Earth straps develop high resistance.

Fix

For isolated faults, trace and repair individual circuits.

For cars with widespread wiring issues, a complete rewire is the best solution.

Reproduction wiring looms are available from specialists ($400-800 for a complete loom).

A rewire is time-consuming but not technically difficult, these cars have very simple electrical systems with fewer than 20 circuits.

Cost mentioned in fix
$400-800 for a

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// More FJ / FE / FC problems

Other known issues

Common Electrical

Generator and Voltage Regulator Issues

Battery goes flat, dim headlights, ammeter shows discharge when the engine is running.
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Worn Bearings and Low Oil Pressure

Oil pressure drops below 20 psi at idle when hot. Knocking noise from the bottom end, particularly under load. May also develop a deep rumble at idle.
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Valve Seat Recession

Gradual loss of compression, rough running, tapping noise from the engine that gets worse over time. May develop a misfire.
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Overheating in Modern Traffic

Temperature gauge climbs or the engine boils over in slow traffic or on hot days.
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Fuel Pump Failure

Engine stalls, won't restart, or runs inconsistently. Fuel starvation symptoms, the engine dies under load but may restart after sitting for a few minutes.
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Carburettor Deterioration

Hard starting, rough idle, flat spots on acceleration, flooding (fuel running out of the carby), black smoke, poor fuel economy.
View all 17 FJ / FE / FC problems