This service repair workshop manual covers the Austin Metro supermini from 1980 to 1990. Complete A-Series and R-Series engine overhaul procedures, Hydrolastic suspension system servicing, SU carburetor tuning, gearbox rebuild, and comprehensive wiring diagrams. Step-by-step repair instructions with specifications and troubleshooting. Essential for British car enthusiasts and mechanics working on these iconic British Leyland city cars.
1980-1990 Austin Metro Service Repair Workshop Manual PDF
VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTION:
The Austin Metro (later known simply as the Metro under Rover Group management) was a supermini car produced from 1980 through 1998 by British Leyland and its successor companies. The 1980 through 1990 generation encompasses the original design era, from its launch as a replacement for the Mini in the urban supermini segment through its various facelifts and engine updates. Designed as an affordable, practical city car with a surprisingly spacious interior for its tiny exterior dimensions, the Metro featured an innovative Hydrolastic suspension system on early models, later transitioning to conventional coil springs. Engine options included the venerable A-Series inline-four in various displacements from 1.0L to 1.3L, and later the more modern R-Series engines. The MG Metro and Metro Turbo variants offered genuine hot-hatch performance with turbocharged engines that punched well above their weight class.
SERVICE & REPAIR SCOPE:
- A-Series and R-Series engine complete rebuild including head gasket replacement
- Distributor and Lucas ignition system servicing with timing specification
- SU or HIF carburetor tuning, adjustment, and rebuilding
- Manual gearbox overhaul with synchromesh ring replacement
- Clutch cable adjust, clutch plate inspection, and release bearing replacement
- Hydrolastic suspension system bleeding, sphere replacement, and damper service
- Coil spring conversion suspension servicing for later models
- Rack and pinion steering rack rebuild and tie rod end replacement
- Front disc and rear drum brake servicing with wheel cylinder rebuild
- Complete electrical harness wiring troubleshooting with diagram reference
- Heater matrix replacement and fresh air ventilation servicing
- Body panel alignment and door strike adjustment
- Interior trim removal, seat cover replacement, and carpet fitting
- Dashboard instrument calibration and warning light circuit diagnosis
- Exhaust manifold gasket and complete exhaust system replacement
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- Vehicle: Austin Metro / Metro (Rover)
- Model years: 1980 through 1990
- Engine options: A-Series 1.0L inline-four, A-Plus 1.3L inline-four, R-Series variants, Turbo 1.3L (MG Metro Turbo)
- Valve train: OHV pushrod (A-Series), SOHC (R-Series variants)
- Carburetor: Single SU or HIF carburetor
- Transmissions: 4-speed and 5-speed manual
- Drive layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive
- Front suspension: Hydrolastic interconnected system, later coil spring with MacPherson struts
- Rear suspension: Hydrolastic interconnected system, later coil springs with trailing arms
- Brakes: Front disc, rear drum
- Steering: Rack and pinion, unassisted
DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION:
- Engine oil leak common on A-Series: Inspect rocker cover gasket, front crankshaft oil seal behind timing chain cover, rear main crank seal requiring clutch removal, check oil pressure switch/_sender at oil filter housing
- Carburetor flooding or hard warm restart: Check float needle valve seating, verify float height adjustment, inspect carburetor dashpot oil level (SU carburetors), test choke operation and auto-choke bi-metal spring
- Overheating in traffic: Inspect electric cooling fan operation and relay, check thermostat in housing, verify water pump impeller condition, bleed air from cooling system through bleed screw
- Hydrolastic suspension sagging: Check for fluid leaks at suspension spheres and connections, test sphere pressure with gauge, inspect Hydrolastic fluid reservoir level, check for corroded interconnecting pipes
- Gearbox synchro not working on 2nd gear: Check gearbox oil level and specification (correct EP80/90 gear oil), inspect synchromesh baulk ring wear during rebuild, verify clutch fully disengages
- Steering heavy at low speeds: Normal characteristic for unassisted rack and pinion on heavy small car; check tire pressures, inspect steering rack mount bushing play, verify wheel alignment is not contributing
- Electrical faults are common on Lucas systems: Check all bullet connectors for corrosion, clean multi-pin connectors with contact cleaner spray, verify earth strap from engine to chassis is conductive, test alternator output
- Exhaust manifold cracking on A-Series: Common failure point due to thin cast iron; inspect for cracks especially between exhaust ports, replace manifold with quality aftermarket or OEM part, use copper-based exhaust paste
ILLUSTRATIONS & DIAGRAMS INCLUDED:
- A-Series engine cross-section with oil passage and component detail
- R-Series engine layout for later Metro variants
- SU carburetor cutaway with adjustment specifications
- Hydrolastic suspension system schematic showing interconnecting pipes and sphere positions
- Coil spring front MacPherson strut assembly drawings
- Complete electrical wiring harness diagram with color coding
- Steering rack exploded view with pinion and tie rod detail
- Front brake disc caliper assembly with wheel cylinder components
- Body shell showing dimensional reference points for alignment
- Dashboard instrument cluster and switch panel wiring
- Exhaust system routing with manifold attachment points
- Interior trim and seat mounting diagrams
COMPATIBILITY:
- Austin Metro, all variants 1980 through 1990
- Early Hydrolastic suspension and later coil spring suspension models
- A-Series and R-Series engine variants
- All body styles and trim levels (including MG Metro and Metro Turbo)
- English language edition
- PDF format, searchable and printable
FILE PROPERTIES:
- Format: Searchable PDF
- Language: English
- Delivery: Instant digital download
- Access: Download anytime after purchase
1980-1990 Austin Metro Service Repair Workshop Manual PDF
VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTION:
The Austin Metro (later known simply as the Metro under Rover Group management) was a supermini car produced from 1980 through 1998 by British Leyland and its successor companies. The 1980 through 1990 generation encompasses the original design era, from its launch as a replacement for the Mini in the urban supermini segment through its various facelifts and engine updates. Designed as an affordable, practical city car with a surprisingly spacious interior for its tiny exterior dimensions, the Metro featured an innovative Hydrolastic suspension system on early models, later transitioning to conventional coil springs. Engine options included the venerable A-Series inline-four in various displacements from 1.0L to 1.3L, and later the more modern R-Series engines. The MG Metro and Metro Turbo variants offered genuine hot-hatch performance with turbocharged engines that punched well above their weight class.
SERVICE & REPAIR SCOPE:
- A-Series and R-Series engine complete rebuild including head gasket replacement
- Distributor and Lucas ignition system servicing with timing specification
- SU or HIF carburetor tuning, adjustment, and rebuilding
- Manual gearbox overhaul with synchromesh ring replacement
- Clutch cable adjust, clutch plate inspection, and release bearing replacement
- Hydrolastic suspension system bleeding, sphere replacement, and damper service
- Coil spring conversion suspension servicing for later models
- Rack and pinion steering rack rebuild and tie rod end replacement
- Front disc and rear drum brake servicing with wheel cylinder rebuild
- Complete electrical harness wiring troubleshooting with diagram reference
- Heater matrix replacement and fresh air ventilation servicing
- Body panel alignment and door strike adjustment
- Interior trim removal, seat cover replacement, and carpet fitting
- Dashboard instrument calibration and warning light circuit diagnosis
- Exhaust manifold gasket and complete exhaust system replacement
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- Vehicle: Austin Metro / Metro (Rover)
- Model years: 1980 through 1990
- Engine options: A-Series 1.0L inline-four, A-Plus 1.3L inline-four, R-Series variants, Turbo 1.3L (MG Metro Turbo)
- Valve train: OHV pushrod (A-Series), SOHC (R-Series variants)
- Carburetor: Single SU or HIF carburetor
- Transmissions: 4-speed and 5-speed manual
- Drive layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive
- Front suspension: Hydrolastic interconnected system, later coil spring with MacPherson struts
- Rear suspension: Hydrolastic interconnected system, later coil springs with trailing arms
- Brakes: Front disc, rear drum
- Steering: Rack and pinion, unassisted
DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION:
- Engine oil leak common on A-Series: Inspect rocker cover gasket, front crankshaft oil seal behind timing chain cover, rear main crank seal requiring clutch removal, check oil pressure switch/_sender at oil filter housing
- Carburetor flooding or hard warm restart: Check float needle valve seating, verify float height adjustment, inspect carburetor dashpot oil level (SU carburetors), test choke operation and auto-choke bi-metal spring
- Overheating in traffic: Inspect electric cooling fan operation and relay, check thermostat in housing, verify water pump impeller condition, bleed air from cooling system through bleed screw
- Hydrolastic suspension sagging: Check for fluid leaks at suspension spheres and connections, test sphere pressure with gauge, inspect Hydrolastic fluid reservoir level, check for corroded interconnecting pipes
- Gearbox synchro not working on 2nd gear: Check gearbox oil level and specification (correct EP80/90 gear oil), inspect synchromesh baulk ring wear during rebuild, verify clutch fully disengages
- Steering heavy at low speeds: Normal characteristic for unassisted rack and pinion on heavy small car; check tire pressures, inspect steering rack mount bushing play, verify wheel alignment is not contributing
- Electrical faults are common on Lucas systems: Check all bullet connectors for corrosion, clean multi-pin connectors with contact cleaner spray, verify earth strap from engine to chassis is conductive, test alternator output
- Exhaust manifold cracking on A-Series: Common failure point due to thin cast iron; inspect for cracks especially between exhaust ports, replace manifold with quality aftermarket or OEM part, use copper-based exhaust paste
ILLUSTRATIONS & DIAGRAMS INCLUDED:
- A-Series engine cross-section with oil passage and component detail
- R-Series engine layout for later Metro variants
- SU carburetor cutaway with adjustment specifications
- Hydrolastic suspension system schematic showing interconnecting pipes and sphere positions
- Coil spring front MacPherson strut assembly drawings
- Complete electrical wiring harness diagram with color coding
- Steering rack exploded view with pinion and tie rod detail
- Front brake disc caliper assembly with wheel cylinder components
- Body shell showing dimensional reference points for alignment
- Dashboard instrument cluster and switch panel wiring
- Exhaust system routing with manifold attachment points
- Interior trim and seat mounting diagrams
COMPATIBILITY:
- Austin Metro, all variants 1980 through 1990
- Early Hydrolastic suspension and later coil spring suspension models
- A-Series and R-Series engine variants
- All body styles and trim levels (including MG Metro and Metro Turbo)
- English language edition
- PDF format, searchable and printable
FILE PROPERTIES:
- Format: Searchable PDF
- Language: English
- Delivery: Instant digital download
- Access: Download anytime after purchase
