P1800 / P1800ES

1961-1973 / Coupe / Shooting Brake / Sweden

All P1800 / P1800ES problems All workshop issues

Common Electrical

Lucas-derived wiring faults (early Jensen-built cars)

Symptoms

Intermittent starting, dead instruments, lights that work when they feel like it, random short circuits.

Cause

Early Jensen-built P1800s (up to 1963) used Lucas electrical components. The wiring is primitive, grounds are poor, and connections corrode. Decades of bodge repairs make it worse.

Fix

Trace every fault methodically.

Clean all earth points.

Replace corroded bullet connectors with crimped terminals.

Consider rewiring the car section by section with a modern harness if it's truly awful.

Check the fuse box, early ones are rubbish.

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Other known issues

Common Electrical

Voltage regulator and dynamo/alternator faults

Battery won't charge, instruments flicker, lights dim, battery goes flat overnight.

Critical Electrical

Corroded fuse box and blown fuses

Random electrical failures, wipers, indicators, lights, ignition.

Critical Electrical

Faulty ignition switch

Key won't turn, no crank, intermittent starting, dash lights flicker.

Common Engine

Oil leaks from rear main seal

Oil weeps or pours from the back of the engine, usually visible around the bellhousing. Can soak the clutch on manual cars.

Common Engine

Piston ring wear and oil consumption (B18/B20)

Blue smoke on startup or under load. Engine uses a litre of oil every 500-1000 km. Exhaust tips go black and sooty.

Common Engine

Timing gear wear and rattle (B18)

Rattling or chattering noise from the front of the engine, especially on cold start or at idle. Sometimes a metallic ticking that doesn't go away when warm.

View all 28 P1800 / P1800ES problems