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MOTRS

T-Type (TC/TD/TF)

1945-1955 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All T-Type (TC/TD/TF) problems All workshop issues
Critical Engine, XPAG/XPEG (1,250cc/1,466cc Inline-4)

Low Oil Pressure (Worn Bearings)

Symptoms

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.

Cause

The XPAG uses a three-bearing crankshaft (two main bearings plus a centre main). With mileage, the white-metal bearings wear, increasing clearances and reducing oil pressure. The three-bearing design is inherently more prone to crankshaft flex than a five-bearing crank, which accelerates bearing wear.

Fix

Bottom-end rebuild, regrind the crankshaft and fit new bearings.

If the crank is beyond regrinding limits, exchange crankshafts are available.

A quality XPAG rebuild costs $3,000-$5,000.

This is a well-understood job that any British car specialist or experienced home mechanic can handle.

Cost mentioned in fix
$3,000-$5,000

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

Dynamo (Generator) Failure

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.
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