E-Type

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

All E-Type problems All workshop issues

Common Electrical

Ignition system problems

Symptoms

Misfiring, hard starting, poor running at certain RPMs, engine cutting out.

Cause

Points, condenser, distributor cap, rotor arm, coil, HT leads, all wear and fail. The V12 has two distributors and twice the failure points. Moisture gets into the distributor and causes misfires in damp conditions.

Fix

Fit an electronic ignition conversion (Pertronix, Lumenition, or similar).

It's one of the best modifications you can make, more reliable ignition, better starting, smoother running, less maintenance.

Costs $200-400 AUD and takes an hour to fit.

Keep the original points distributor in the boot as a spare.

Cost mentioned in fix

$200-400

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Other known issues

Minor Electrical

Lucas electrics, general failure

Random failures of lights, indicators, wipers, gauges, starter motor, charging system. Intermittent faults that defy diagnosis. Components that work when tested but fail on the road.

Common Electrical

Generator/alternator and voltage regulator failure

Battery goes flat, warning light stays on, instruments dim at idle.

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