🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: MG Model: Metro Year: 1980 Codes Platform Code: Leyland R-8 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: A vital resource for owners and mechanics of the 1980 MG Metro, offering factory-level repair and maintenance guidance. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Often compared to other superminis of the era, but the Metro had a distinct British character and sporting heritage from MG. Key Features Manual Advantage: Comprehensive, detailed, and officially sanctioned, providing the most accurate information for servicing the MG Metro. Value Proposition: An economical alternative to dealership servicing, empowering owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Workshop Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Download Print Ability: Printable (full or partial) Delivery Method: Instant Digital Download Styles Covered: All styles of the 1980 MG Metro are covered. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Service: Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tune-up, cooling system, fuel system, emission control, engine control system. Transmission Service: Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, repair, and diagnostics. Brake System: Hydraulic system, brake pads, rotors, drums, calipers, master cylinder, parking brake. Electrical System: Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting, lighting, ignition, starting, charging. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components, alignment, steering gear, power steering (if applicable). Chassis Body: Body repair, frame alignment, interior components, chassis lubrication. Fuel Injection System: Component diagnosis, testing, and repair for fuel injection systems. Axle Differential: Front axle, differential unit, and driveshaft components. (Covered under Transmission/Drivetrain sections). Heater Air Conditioning: HVAC system operation, repair, and maintenance (if equipped with heating/ventilation, AC was very rare). Wiring Diagrams: Detailed and integrated with electrical system troubleshooting for ease of use. Procedures Included General Maintenance: Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults. Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly. Technical Specifications: Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical data. Periodic Lubrication: Comprehensive lubrication points and schedule for chassis and mechanical components. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics. Illustrations: Hundreds of photos and illustrations, including detailed drawings and enlarged insets for precise part identification. Instruction Format: Numbered step-by-step instructions with detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Reader Requirement: Adobe PDF Reader Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution, suitable for clear printing of text and illustrations. Binding Type Digital Binding: Not Applicable (Digital Download) Paper Type Digital Paper Type: Not Applicable (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Family: BMC A-Series (various displacements) Typical Displacement 1980: 1275cc (though other variants existed or were introduced shortly after) Performance Horsepower Typical: Approximately 60-70 hp (depending on specific tune and emissions controls) Torque Typical: Approximately 70-80 lb-ft Fuel System Induction Type: Carburetor (e.g., SU or Zenith Stromberg) or Fuel Injection depending on specific model variant and market. Fuel Type: Unleaded Petrol (likely 95 RON or higher) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed manual transaxle Optional Optional Transmission Type: Some models may have offered a 3-speed automatic, though less common for MG variants. Features Drive Layout: Front-wheel drive (FWD) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Style: 3-door hatchback Weights Curb Weight Approx: Around 800-900 kg (depending on equipment) 🛡️ Safety Features Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Passive Features Restraint System: Seat belts (front as standard, rear may be optional or market dependent). 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio System: Typically an AM/FM radio with basic speaker setup. Cassette players were often optional upgrades. Driver Assistance ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard feature on the 1980 MG Metro. Connectivity Connectivity Features: None beyond basic electrical systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 3,000 - 6,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. (Manual will specify exact interval and oil type). Spark Plug Replacement: Refer to manual for specific mileage, usually around 10,000-20,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-40 or 20W-50) and API service classification. Coolant: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. (Manual will provide specific type and capacity). Transmission Fluid: Manual: Gear oil, GL4 specification. Automatic (if applicable): ATF Dexron II or equivalent. (Manual will specify exact type and capacity). Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid. (Manual will specify exact type). Known Issues Common Wear Items: Ignition system components (points, condenser, coil), carburetor tuning, suspension bushings, clutch wear, exhaust system. Rust Prone Areas: Wheel arches, sill panels, door bottoms, boot floor are common areas for corrosion due to age and manufacturing methods of the era. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Mg Legacy: MG, historically known for sporting versions of British Leyland cars, aimed to inject performance into the Metro platform. Model Evolution Metro...
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical data.
Periodic Lubrication:
Comprehensive lubrication points and schedule for chassis and mechanical components.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations, including detailed drawings and enlarged insets for precise part identification.
Instruction Format:
Numbered step-by-step instructions with detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Reader Requirement:
Adobe PDF Reader
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for clear printing of text and illustrations.
Binding Type
Digital Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Digital Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Family:
BMC A-Series (various displacements)
Typical Displacement 1980:
1275cc (though other variants existed or were introduced shortly after)
Performance
Horsepower Typical:
Approximately 60-70 hp (depending on specific tune and emissions controls)
Torque Typical:
Approximately 70-80 lb-ft
Fuel System
Induction Type:
Carburetor (e.g., SU or Zenith Stromberg) or Fuel Injection depending on specific model variant and market.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (likely 95 RON or higher)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
4-speed manual transaxle
Optional
Optional Transmission Type:
Some models may have offered a 3-speed automatic, though less common for MG variants.
Features
Drive Layout:
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Style:
3-door hatchback
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
Around 800-900 kg (depending on equipment)
🛡️ Safety Features
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes.
Passive Features
Restraint System:
Seat belts (front as standard, rear may be optional or market dependent).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio System:
Typically an AM/FM radio with basic speaker setup. Cassette players were often optional upgrades.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not a standard feature on the 1980 MG Metro.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None beyond basic electrical systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 - 6,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. (Manual will specify exact interval and oil type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific mileage, usually around 10,000-20,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-40 or 20W-50) and API service classification.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. (Manual will provide specific type and capacity).
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: Gear oil, GL4 specification. Automatic (if applicable): ATF Dexron II or equivalent. (Manual will specify exact type and capacity).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid. (Manual will specify exact type).