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MOTRS

142 / 144 / 145

1966-1974 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 142 / 144 / 145 problems All workshop issues
Critical Engine

Worn Timing Chain or Belt Tensioner

Symptoms

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.

Cause

The B18/B20 uses a chain (early) or belt (later). Chains stretch over time; belts wear and fray. Tensioners lose spring tension or hydraulic pressure.

Fix

Timing belt: replace every 10 years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first.

It's a straightforward job, remove the radiator and front cover, align marks, fit new belt and tensioner, check tension with a gauge.

Use OEM or Contitech belts.

Timing chain: if rattling, check tension first (hydraulic tensioner may be stuck or weak).

If chain is stretched, replace with a new chain, sprockets, and tensioner, the whole front cover comes off.

While you're in there, do the water pump.

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Other known issues

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.
Common Cooling System

Radiator Core Leaks and Corrosion

Coolant dripping from the radiator core, overheating, low coolant level without obvious external leaks, white crusty deposits on the radiator.
Critical Cooling System

Thermostat Stuck Open or Closed

Stuck open: engine never reaches normal operating temperature (gauge sits low), poor heater output, high fuel consumption. Stuck closed: rapid overheating, gauge in the red, coolant boiling over.
Common Cooling System

Heater Core Blockage or Leaks

No heat from the vents, sweet smell of coolant in the cabin, wet carpets, fogged windows, low coolant level.
View all 21 142 / 144 / 145 problems