TD Operation Manual - Preparing to Drive

Filling up with petrol

The quantity of fuel in the tank can readily be seen through the large filler which is situated on the left-hand side of the fuel tank at the rear of the car. Depress the small lever to release the cap and a downward pressure on the cap will suffice to close it. Tank capacity 12½ gallons (56 litres). A warning light on the instrument panel is switched on when the supply drops to approx. 2½ gallons (11 litres). (See page 14)

Filling the cooling system

The radiator should be filled to within ½ in. (13 mm.) of the filler neck. After a few minutes, more water will be required. This is because it takes time for the water to flow through the thermostat by-pass pipe. It is necessary to make good the water level and bring it up to the correct height again.
The filler cap is of the normal type and screws into position.

Releasing the bonnet

The bonnet is in two halves, opening along the centre line of the car. Two handles are provided on each side of the bonnet and these, should be moved upwards and forwards in order to release the catches.

Starting Up

Cold. See that the gear lever is in its neutral position.
Pull out the mixture control knob and turn it 90° anti-clockwise to lock it in position.

Switch on the ignition by inserting the key in the centre of the lighting switch knob and turning it clockwise.

Pull out the starter switch knob smartly, when the engine should revolve and start.

Release the starter switch immediately the engine fires.

Gradually return the mixture control knob to the "OFF" position as quickly as the warming engine will allow. (See note on starter operation on page 56.)

Hot. See that the gear lever is in its neutral position. Switch on the ignition by inserting the key in the lighting switch knob and turning it clockwise. Pull out the starter switch knob smartly, when the engine should revolve, and start. Release the starter switch immediately the engine fires.

Pedal Controls

The pedal controls are arranged in the orthodox positions, namely the clutch pedal, brake pedal and accelerator, reading from left to right. Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal. It is bad practice and leads to rapid wear in the operating mechanism.

Gear Lever

The gear lever is centrally situated. First and second gears are selected by moving the lever to the left, and engaged by moving it forward for first gear and backwards for second gear. Third and fourth gears are selected by moving the lever to the right through the neutral position till resistance is felt, then forwards for third gear and backwards for fourth gear. To engage the reverse gear move the lever to the right of the neutral position until resistance is felt, apply pressure to the lever to overcome the resistance and then move it backwards to engage the gear. Synchromesh engagement is provided on second, third and fourth gears.

Mixture Control

The mixture control can be drawn out to give a rich mixture for starting purposes. It is locked in the open position by turning it anti-clockwise through 90°.

On no account should the engine be run for any length of time with the knob in this position. It should be returned to the "OFF" position as soon as possible. A little practice will soon familiarise the driver with the correct use of this control.

horn button

This is the raised black knob located on the centre of the instrument panel next to the ammeter.

headlamp and sidedlamp
switch

The side- and headlamp switch is on the left of the instrument panel and incorporates the ignition switch. Turn clockwise to operate. The first position marked "S" switches on the sidelamps, taillamps and number-plate lamp; the next marked "H" switches on both the headlamps in addition.

Dip switch

Dip switch

This is incorporated in the horn button switch and is clearly marked "D" for dip position and "H" for full beams.
In order to give the driver clear indication whether the beams are in the raised or dipped position, a warning light in the speedometer dial glows when the headlamp beams are in the raised position.

This is incorporated in the toeboard next to the clutch pedal and is foot-operated. It is of the single-acting, repeating type, dipping the beams on the depression, and raising them on the next.
In order to give the driver clear indication whether the beams are in the raised or dipped position, a warning light in the speedometer dial glows when the headlamp beams are in the raised position.