142 / 144 / 145

1966-1974 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 142 / 144 / 145 problems All workshop issues

Common Electrical

Alternator Failure or Weak Charging

Symptoms

Battery warning light stays on, dim lights, flat battery after short drives, voltage drops below 13V at idle (with engine running).

Cause

Worn brushes, failed diodes, slipping belt, corroded terminals. The Bosch alternators are robust but eventually wear out.

Fix

Check belt tension and condition first, replace if cracked or glazed.

Measure voltage at the battery with engine running, should be 13.5-14.5V.

If low, remove alternator and test on a bench or have it rebuilt (brushes, diodes, bearings).

Clean all earth straps and battery terminals with a wire brush.

Uprated alternators (55A or 70A) are available if running modern accessories.

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Other known issues

Critical Electrical

Wiring Loom Corrosion and Brittle Insulation

Intermittent faults, instruments cutting out, no start, flickering lights, burning smell, smoke from under the dash.

Critical Electrical

Faulty Ignition Switch or Starter Relay

Key turns but nothing happens, no dash lights, intermittent starting, click but no crank, or starter spins continuously.

Common Engine

Oil Leaks from Front and Rear Crankshaft Seals

Persistent weeping or pooling of oil beneath the engine, especially at the front timing cover or rear main seal area. You'll see oil misting onto the bellhousing or dripping from the sump.

Common Engine

Worn Valve Guides and Oil Consumption

Blue smoke on startup or deceleration, fouled spark plugs, rising oil consumption between changes (more than half a litre per 1,000 km).

Common Engine

Carburettor Issues (SU or Zenith-Stromberg)

Rough idle, hesitation, stalling when cold, flat spots under acceleration, poor fuel economy, black exhaust smoke.

Critical Engine

Worn Timing Chain or Belt Tensioner

Rattling or slapping noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup or idle. Loss of power, poor running, or misfires if timing has jumped.

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