G'day. I just bought an old TS as a 2nd commuter car. A 2.6 manual. Its done 280k km's, paint looks like poo, and full of dirt, which is kinda why i was able to get it for 400 bucks. It was sitting in a paddock...

Anyways, i suspect its still got its original clutch, and when i took it for a spin the clutch didnt slip, (i've driven a car with a clutch on the way out and think i know how that feels - lots of revs but going nowhere). This clutch shifts smooth, but the point that this clutch engages in this TS, is just up from the floor, not halfwayish like other manuals i have driven. Also when i stuck my head out the window to listen for noises i heard a kind of "woosh" noise on the gear changes. Sounded bit like a blow off valve but not as load, quite soft actually, but i could hear it.

What do you magna experts reckon? New clutch? Clutch adjustment?

i would check for fluid leeks then a flush and new fluid. and see how it go,s

Righto, that makes sense. Cheers mate.

Flushed with new fluid, but issue is still there. I took it to my Magna loving mate, and he reckons its fine, its a replacement clutch that isnt quite adjusted properly. Just said keep on driving it if it doesnt worry me, which it doesnt really.

Also saw a leak coming from the water pump so we are going to replace that this weekend.

Despite a few age issues, it is a really good car to drive. People have said to me before, how good magnas are to drive. They're right! Its just gunna be a commute car for me, so not really gunna do anything with it, except maybe a CD player. I've seen the guide on here on installing new head unit. This magna only has 2 front speakers - is it a DYI job putting 2 at the back? Or a hassle?

check the push rod free play on the clutch, under the dash.
Speakers - easy enough to run two wires under the carpet to the rear parcel shelf.

Another question...

Whats the best place to get a coolant reservoir bottle from? The one in the front left (man, i always get sides of cars confused..its on the right as you look in the enginebay - its the timing chain side! Mines busted with a big hole on top, googling has told me they all seem to go brittle, and I was wondering if it would be a fruitless search at a wreckers. Whats the right name for it so i dont get even more confused! lol Are they expensive from a Mitsi dealership?

I (with some help) cleaned the car up good, new tires, new windscreen, new water pump (genuine!) gave the air filter a blow with a compressor, oil change, a few new gaskets, new battery. Really got stuck in. Its ready to get RWC now, but im worried about the busted bottle.

Any other tips to service and old Magna?

More i play with the Magna the more i like it - solid for an old car. Mine has the dreaded paint cancer on the top surfaces, though im not fazed..though i did go on a big read on the net about the famous 50 buck paint job - the one with rust paint or boat paint and a roller..but wayy too much hassle.

Large plastic coke bottle. put it somewhere in the engine bay - tie it down - and run a hose from the overflow to the bottom of the bottle, and half fill it with coolant. Instant new coolant reservoir! And you now know where to get a replacement from if this one goes brittle. lol

lol..I'll do that as a last resort! I was thinking something more classy, like a mountain dew though....

lol..I'll do that as a last resort! I was thinking something more classy, like a mountain dew though....

Excellent idea, just don't leave the Mountain Dew in there though, it will rot your engine! You might want to leave the old reservoir and your bottle out when you go for a RWC, it might raise an eyebrow or two. lol

Popped out at lunchtime and was able to scrounge one from a wreckers. Common problem though, saw about 15 2nd Gens with broken bottles or missing ones. Was able to get one in not to bad of a shape, 20 bucks though...grrr...