142 / 144 / 145

1966-1974 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 142 / 144 / 145 problems All workshop issues

Critical Fuel System

Perished Fuel Hoses and Leaks

Symptoms

Fuel smell in the cabin or engine bay, visible drips or wet patches around hose connections, hard starting, rough running.

Cause

Rubber degrades over decades. Ethanol fuel swells and cracks non-ethanol-compatible hose. Clamps loosen or rust.

Fix

Replace every fuel hose you can see, from tank to pump, pump to carb/injection, return lines.

Use proper fuel-injection-rated hose (SAE J30 R9 minimum) even on carb cars.

Fit new stainless clamps.

Check the filler neck hose and vent hoses, they rot invisibly.

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Other known issues

Critical Fuel System

Fuel Pump Failure (Mechanical or Electric)

Engine cranks but won't start, or starts then dies. Sputtering, loss of power, stalling under load.

Common Fuel System

Fuel Tank Rust and Contaminated Fuel

Rough running, clogged filters, stalling, rusty sediment in the fuel filter, fuel leaks at seams or filler neck.

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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