P1800 / P1800ES

1961-1973 / Coupe / Shooting Brake / Sweden

All P1800 / P1800ES problems All workshop issues

Common Cooling System

Radiator corrosion and leaks

Symptoms

Coolant leaks from the core or end tanks. Overheating. Brown sludge in the system.

Cause

Original brass/copper radiators corrode internally, especially if the coolant hasn't been changed in decades (common on barn finds). Plastic-tanked aftermarket units crack at the crimp joints.

Fix

Recore the original radiator ($300-600) or fit a modern aluminium unit.

Flush the system thoroughly before fitting a new rad, old rust and scale will kill it quickly.

Use proper 50/50 coolant, not water and dishwashing liquid.

Cost mentioned in fix

$300-600

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// More P1800 / P1800ES problems

Other known issues

Critical Cooling System

Thermostat failure

Engine runs cold (heater blows lukewarm, fuel economy suffers) or overheats quickly.

Common Cooling System

Water pump bearing failure

Squealing or grinding noise from the front of the engine. Coolant leak from the weep hole. Overheating.

Common Cooling System

Heater core leaks

Coolant smell in the cabin, damp carpet on the passenger side, steamed-up windscreen, coolant loss.

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