General servicing of MK II 2.4 1963

[Islander]

I have recently acquired a MK II 2.4 and I intend to give it a general service i.e. replacing engine oil, gearxbox oil, coolant, brake fluid etc. Would replacing routine items (engine oil filter, air filter, petrol filter etc ) require the replacement of other ancillary parts such as seals, washers, valves etc?

I have no experience with classic cars and with my modern car the replacement of routine service items do not trigger the replacement of any other ancillary parts. But I heard that replacing the oil filter on a MK II can require the replacement of some other small parts too, not just the filter itself.

I would appreciate any help from those who may have experienced this before. Thank you for your time.

[grumpypete]

Hi. Sorry about the late reply, haven't logged in recently! There shouldn't be too many ancillary items required. A new standard oil filter element normally has 2 or 3 o rings supplied with it(you may get away with the old o ring, but I wouldn't recommend it, been there, done that!) An alternative is an adaptor to enable a modern canister filter to be fitted, which I have done to mine.
As standard, the Mark 2 never had a paper fuel filter, just a fine gauze at the top of the housing which needs a clean. You may need a new rubber seal for the bowl, as they are prone to perishing. A paper filter will work, but you have to remember, all the dirt will be on the inside, so you will have no idea of its condition without removal!
The air filter should pose no problems, although the 2.4 is different to mine. Again the only issue would be old perished seals.
The gearbox and diff oil changes are fairly straightforward. I cheated with a bit of ptfe tape on the 1/2" taper plugs, don't think it's recommended, just a habit from plumbing!
I use Dot 4 brake fluid, which seems to be the norm.
I think the only antifreeze to use in these old engines is blue. Modern pink ones using OAT(Organic Acid Technology) can attack the brass and copper in radiators, and even the lead in the solders used. I live in a hard water area, so only use distilled or deionised water.
Hopefully you have it sorted by now.

Regards,

Pete.

[PPV]

Agree with Pete but would suggest looking at your sparking plugs (will identify also if running rich etc), condition of your points and check the timing.
Generally easy to work on and the manual is quite good.
Regards,

[Islander]

Hello Grumpypete and PPV

Thank you for your useful replies. Appreciated.

Clive