T-Type (TC/TD/TF)

1945-1955 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All T-Type (TC/TD/TF) problems All workshop issues

Common Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Dynamo (Generator) Failure

Symptoms

The charge warning light stays on above idle, the battery goes flat, and electrical accessories dim. In some cases, the dynamo seizes and the drive belt snaps or glazes.

Cause

The dynamo's internal brushes wear, the commutator surface deteriorates, and the field coil windings can short. Dynamos have lower output than modern alternators and only begin charging at higher RPM, they're marginal for cars with upgraded lighting or accessories.

Fix

Rebuild the dynamo with new brushes and a cleaned commutator.

A competent auto electrician can do this for $200-$400.

Alternatively, fit a modern alternator in a dynamo-style housing, these bolt straight on and provide significantly better charging performance.

Cost: $400-$600 for the conversion kit.

Popular suppliers include Dynalite and Powerlite.

Cost mentioned in fix

$200-$400Cost: $400-$600 for the conversion

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Other known issues

Minor Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Oil Leaks, Everywhere

Oil weeps from every gasket surface, rocker cover, timing cover, sump, rear main seal, and anywhere two castings meet. The area beneath a parked T-Type will have oil spots. Some engines leak enough to require topping up between services.

Critical Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Low Oil Pressure (Worn Bearings)

Oil pressure drops below 40 psi at cruising speed when warm, or below 15 psi at idle. A knocking sound from the bottom end, particularly under load, confirms the diagnosis.

Critical Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Overheating

Coolant temperature climbs above normal, particularly in slow traffic or on hot days. Steam from the overflow. In severe cases, the engine boils over.

Common Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Timing Chain Stretch

A rattling noise from the front of the engine, particularly on startup or at idle. The engine may feel down on power and the timing may wander.

Minor Wooden Body Frame

Rot in the Ash Frame

Doors don't shut properly or are misaligned. Body panels flex when pushed. Gaps between panels are uneven. The body feels "soft" when jacked up. In severe cases, the body visibly sags or the scuttle area cracks.

Minor Wooden Body Frame

Body Flex

The body creaks and flexes over bumps. Doors pop open over rough roads. Scuttle shake (the windscreen frame vibrates relative to the body) is noticeable.

View all 15 T-Type (TC/TD/TF) problems