Austin-Healey Sprite User Manual

AUSTIN-HKALEY SPRITE
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS
Third'and top gears are engaged by employing the same procedure
as that given for engaging second.
Changing down is an exact reversal of the method outlined for
changing up, except that the accelerator must be kept depressed
whilst the gear is being changed, in order to speed up the engine in
accordance with the lower gear.
Do not change gear rapidly or forcibly. Always move the lever
with a smooth deliberate action that will allow the synchromesh
mechanism to operate properly.
To stop the vehicle, release the accelerator, apply the footbrake
and depress the clutch pedal before the vehicle comes to a standstill.
After applying the handbrake and moving the gear lever into neutral,
release the clutch and footbrake.
%hen in reverse, which must only be engaged when the vehicle is
stationary, remember that the gearing is lower than first gear;
Consequently release the clutch slowly until the vehicle just begins to
move, and then gently depress the accelerator to give the speed
desired.
Do not slip the clutch instead of using the handbrake when tem-
porarily halted on an ascent and do not allow the weight of the foot
to be taken by the clutch pedal when it is not being used, as either
practice will result in excessive clutch wear.
Before descending a steep hill it is advisable to engage an inter-
mediate or low gear. The engine will then provide a useful braking
action.
DRIVING HINTS .
Never operate the starter control when the vehicle is in gear.
Remember to switch on the ignition before attempting to start the
engine.
Do not persist in pulling the starter control if the engine will not
fire.
Release the choke control as soon as the engine will run evenly
without its use.
Do not leave the ignition switched on when the engine is not
running.
Never leave the vehicle in gear with the handbrake unapplied.
Do not engage reverse gear when the vehicle is moving forwards
or forward gear when the vehicle is moving backwards. -,Serious
damage may result.
Avoid slipping the clutch in traffic or on an ascent.
Never coast the vehicle with a gear engaged and the clutch pedal
depressed.
A FTER the vehicle has been washed or driven through water the
results.
SKIDDING
Skidding is usually due to sudden acceleration, braking or change
of direction on an icy, greasy or loose road surface. If the rear
wheels skid, release the accelerator or brake pedal (as the case may be)
and turn the steering wheel towards the direction of the skid to regain
wheel grip on the road.
WET BRAKES
brake linings may become wet. To dry them, apply the brakes
several times with the vehicle moving slowly. Emergency braking
with wet brakes is extremely dangerous and is to be avoided at all
Do not race the engine in neutral at any time.
Never run the vehicle with the radiator completely blanked otf.
Avoid running the engine at high speeds for the first 500 miles
(800 km.).
Never fill the radiator with cold water when the engine is hot.
Do not, under any circumstances, run the engine in a closed garage
or similar restricted atmosphere. The exhaust fumes are highly
poisonous and if inhaled will quickly produce grave, if not fatal,
costs.
18
19

Austin-Healey Sprite Specifications

General

Brand	Austin-Healey
Model	Sprite
Category	Automobile
Language	English