P1800 / P1800ES

1961-1973 / Coupe / Shooting Brake / Sweden

All P1800 / P1800ES problems All workshop issues

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Worn synchros (manual gearbox)

Symptoms

Gears crunch going into second, reverse grinds, hard to select gears when cold.

Cause

The synchros wear out, especially second gear. Abuse (clutchless shifts, forcing it into gear) accelerates this.

Fix

Pull the gearbox, strip it, replace the synchro rings.

It's a gearbox rebuild, not a quick job.

Budget $1000-2000 for a professional rebuild, or do it yourself if you're confident.

Upgraded brass synchros are available.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $1000-2000 for a

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// More P1800 / P1800ES problems

Other known issues

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

M40/M41 overdrive failure

Overdrive won't engage, kicks out under load, makes a grinding or whining noise, leaks oil.

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Propshaft centre bearing failure

Vibration at speed, rumbling or droning noise, clunking when taking up drive.

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Differential whine and backlash

Whining noise from the rear axle, clunking when changing direction (forward to reverse), vibration.

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