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MOTRS

122S Amazon

1956-1970 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 122S Amazon problems All workshop issues
Common Electrical

Weak or no charging

Symptoms

Battery warning light on. Battery dies overnight. Dim headlights at idle.

Cause

Generator (not alternator unless swapped) brushes worn, regulator failed, or bad connections.

Fix

  1. 1 Check belt tension first. Loose belt = no charge
  2. 2 Test output: should see ~13.5-14.5V at battery with engine running if converted to alternator. Generator output is lower, ~12-13V
  3. 3 If generator: rebuild or swap to alternator. Alternator conversion kits available (~$150-300). Much more reliable
  4. 4 Inspect all wiring to the generator/alternator. Corroded terminals are common. Clean and use dielectric grease
Cost mentioned in fix
~$150-300

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Other known issues

Common Electrical

Lucas electrics (if fitted on UK-spec cars)

Everything electrical is temperamental. Lights flicker. Indicators won't self-cancel. Wipers die mid-wipe.
Common Electrical

Fusebox corrosion

Intermittent electrical faults. Circuits dead until you wiggle the fusebox.
Common Engine

Oil consumption

You're burning through a quart of oil every 500-1,000 km. Blue smoke on startup or under load.
Common Engine

Carburetor flooding or poor idle

Hard starting, fuel smell, rough idle, stalling. Sometimes floods and won't start at all.
Critical Engine

Overheating

Temp gauge creeps into the red. Coolant boils over. Steam.
Common Engine

Ignition timing and misfires

Pinging under load, backfiring, flat spots, poor throttle response.
View all 25 122S Amazon problems