T-Type (TC/TD/TF)

1945-1955 / Roadster / United Kingdom

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

Common Electrical

Wiring Degradation

Symptoms

Intermittent electrical faults, lights flickering, gauges reading erratically, indicators not working, starter not engaging reliably.

Cause

Original wiring insulation (cotton-covered rubber or PVC) becomes brittle and cracks after 70 years. Exposed wiring shorts against bodywork. Connections corrode. Earth points lose conductivity.

Fix

Replace the entire wiring loom with a new reproduction harness.

Complete harnesses are available from Autosparks, British Wiring, and MGCC suppliers.

The T-Type wiring is simple enough that installation is a weekend job.

Cost: $300-$500 for a complete harness.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $300-$500 for a

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Other known issues

Minor Electrical

Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy

The fuel gauge reads erratically, reads full when the tank is half empty, or doesn't register at all.

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.

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.

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