It is impossible to over emphasise the importance of correct lubrication, inspection and running adjustments, if you wish to obtain the best level of service from your Ford Anglia and Ford Prefect.

Each day,or before starting out on a long journey, there are at least four minimum checks you should do to your vehicle.

  • Check the Engine Oil Level
  • Check the Radiator Level
  • Check the Petrol Level in the Tank
  • Check the Windscreen is Clean

Check the Engine Oil Level

To determine the oil level, ensure that the car is standing on level ground, open the bonnet and use the oil level dipstick located on the left hand side of the engine to check the oil.

Pull out the dipstick, wipe off the traces of oil with a clean rag, re-insert it into the dipstick hole and withdraw it again. The oil will stick to the bottom of the dipstick and the mark made on the lower end of the dipstick will indicate the oil level in the engine sump.If the oil level is shown at the line marked “FULL”, it is at its maximum level and any oil added above this point will only be wasted.

If the oil level is between the “FILL” and “FULL” levels, then you need to top the engine up with oil. (In no circumstances should the oil level be permitted to fall below the “FILL” line into the sector marked “DANGER”.)

Warning – Any attempt to run the engine with insufficient oil will cause serious damage.

When replacing the dipstick, push it right into the dipstick tube otherwise oil may be lost through the gap left between the underside of the dipstick handle and the end of the tube.

Topping up with Oil

The oil filler cap is located on the top of the valve rocker cover. To add more oil to the engine it is necessary to remove the oil filler cap by lifting if from the rocker cover. Add the correct grade of engine oil a little bit at a time, checking each time with the dipstick, until the level is at the line marked “FULL”.The oil filler cap can now be replaced by pushing it back onto the oil filler tube of the rocker cover and ensure the dipstick is coreectly seated back in its tube.

Check the Radiator Level

The cooling system is pressurised by means of a spring loaded pressure radiator cap. If the vehicle has been running and is hot, allow it to cool down before attempting to remove the radiator cap.Warning – Do not remove the radiator cap when the water is near boiling point, as this may cause water and steam to be blown back out of the filler neck at pressure, possibly causing personal injury.

Remove the radiator filler cap slowly, by pushing down slightly and twisting it to release it. Check the water level in the top of the radiator. Top up as necessary with the correct anti-freeze / water mixture, to approximately one inch (25 mm) below the bottom of the filler to allow for expansion of the coolant as the engine warms up. Once the radiator has been topped, the radiator cap can be replaced.

Check the Petrol Level in the Tank

Before any journey ensure that the level of fuel in the tank is sufficient for immediate needs. This can easily be ascertained by switching on the ignition, and observing the reading of the fuel gauge fitted on the instrument panel. It is advisable not to let the level in the petrol tank fall too low as any dirt or particles within the tank / petrol will find their way into the fuel lines. If there is insufficient fuel for immediate needs then the petrol tank needs to be topped up.

Check the Windscreen is Clean

To ensure you have good visibilty whilst driving, clean your windscreen with a clean dry cloth and an appropriate vehicle glass cleaner.

 

Information taken from Various Ford Anglia and Ford Prefect Instruction Books and Handbooks.

Warning – The Health and Safety bit

Please note your health may be at risk if you do not take sensible safety precautions. Never work under an unsupported vehicle, do not take shortcuts. If you feel that the task is beyond your capabilities, then employ the services of a trained professional. The Ford Anglia 105E Owners Club nor the author cannot be held responsible for any accidents or injury arising from advice given on this webpage. Safety advice can be obtained from the RoSPA. The advice and opinions given are purely those of the author and not necessarily those of the Ford Anglia 105E Owners Club.