E-Type

1961-1975 / Coupe / Roadster / 2+2 / United Kingdom

All E-Type problems All workshop issues

Critical Transmission and Drivetrain

Clutch hydraulics failure

Symptoms

Clutch pedal goes to the floor, won't return. Difficulty engaging gears or car creeps in gear with the clutch pressed.

Cause

Clutch master and slave cylinders leak or seize. The hydraulic lines corrode. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and causes internal corrosion.

Fix

Replace master and slave cylinders, stainless steel bore units are available and last much longer than original.

Replace all hydraulic lines.

Bleed the system thoroughly.

Budget $500-1,000 AUD in parts.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $500-1,000

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// More E-Type problems

Other known issues

Minor Transmission and Drivetrain

Moss gearbox issues (early 3.8 cars)

No synchromesh on first gear (by design), crunching into second, difficulty selecting gears when cold. General agricultural feel.

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Rear differential and hub bearing wear

Whining from the rear end, clunking on direction changes, vibration at speed. In extreme cases, the output shaft bearings fail and the halfshaft comes loose.

Minor Bodywork and Rust

Structural floor pan corrosion

Floor pans rot through, usually starting from the inside where moisture sits under the carpet and sound deadening. The car loses rigidity, doors stop closing properly, scuttle shake increases, the windscreen cracks.

Minor Bodywork and Rust

Sill corrosion (inner and outer)

Sills collapse, doors sag, the car visibly droops in the middle. Outer sills may look fine while the inner sections are completely gone.

Minor Bodywork and Rust

Bonnet corrosion and distortion

The enormous forward-hinged bonnet develops rust in its seams, inner structure, and around the headlight openings. It can also distort if the car has been jacked incorrectly or been in a minor shunt.

Common Bodywork and Rust

Boot floor and rear end corrosion

The boot floor rots, the spare wheel well fills with water, and corrosion spreads to the rear inner wings and battery tray area.

View all 24 E-Type problems