Description

Austin A30, A35 Workshop Manual – Factory Specs for Both Models

If you’ve tried to fix an old Austin using some aftermarket PDF that was clearly scanned from a photocopy of a photocopy, you already know the frustration. Wrong torque values, missing sections, wiring diagrams that look like spaghetti. That’s why I only put stock in the original. This Austin A30, A35 Workshop Manual is the one the factory issued for the A30 and A35 Saloon, Countryman, and Van. It’s 229 pages of the actual Austin Motor Company documentation, not something slapped together by a third party. Page 1 has a note you need to read before starting anything: refer to the end of each section for the latest instructions. That’s the kind of detail you don’t get in reprints.

Let me walk you through what this book actually gives you. I’ve been turning wrenches since before some of you were born, and I’ll tell you straight: if you’re working on one of these cars, you need the factory specs. Aftermarket stuff will get you into trouble on the torque values alone.

Engine Section A – What’s Actually Covered

Section A covers the Engine – that’s your A-series unit, the 803cc and 948cc depending on model. The manual walks through a full teardown and rebuild. It gives you the sequence for pulling the cylinder head, reaming the big-end bearings, and checking tappet clearance. Need the torque for the cylinder head nuts? That’s in Section A. You’ll also find the procedure for reconditioning the oil pump and fitting new piston rings. No vague instructions here – every step is specific to the A30/A35. If you’re a home garage guy, don’t guess on the main bearing cap torque. That’s how you spin a bearing.

Cooling and Fuel – Two Sections You Will All Use

Section C is the Cooling System. It covers the radiator, fan belt tension, thermostat removal. The A30 and A35 use a pressurized system – the manual tells you the cap pressure rating and how to test the thermostat. Section D is the Fuel System, which includes the SU carburetor. You’ll find the float chamber level setting and the needle jet adjustment procedure. Both sections are short but dense with specific data. Page 2 of the manual states it’s prepared for service operators and covers items of procedure for guidance of both fully qualified and the less experienced mechanic. That’s straight from the factory introduction.

Suspension and Electrical – Factory Diagrams Are Gold

Section K covers the Front Suspension – torsion bar adjustment and kingpin inspection. Section N is the Electrical System, which includes the wiring diagram for the entire car. Aftermarket wiring diagrams for these old Austins are famous for missing the fuse box connections or swapping colors. This manual has the original Lucas wiring details. Section H covers the Rear Axle and Rear Suspension, including the half-shaft removal and axle ratio data. If you’re chasing an electrical gremlin or replacing suspension bushings, you’ll be glad you have the real thing instead of something pulled off a forum.

229 Pages – Not a Ripped-Off Reprint

Too many so-called manuals online are scanned from aftermarket copies that have lost pages and resolution. This Austin A30, A35 Workshop Manual is the original factory PDF – 229 pages, complete from General Data through Section S (Heater). The table of contents lists 18 lettered sections plus the lubrication diagram. That’s your full scope: Ignition System (B), Clutch (E), Gearbox (F), Propeller Shaft (G), Steering Gear (J), Hydraulic Dampers (L), Braking System (M), Wheels and Tyres (O), Lubrication (P), and the Body (R). Each section has its own page numbering, which means you can flip straight to the system you’re working on without sifting through irrelevant pages.

For comparison, check out the Massey-Harris-Ferguson TEF20 1956 Workshop Manual – OEM Specs”>Massey-Harris-Ferguson TEF20 1956 Workshop Manual – OEM Specs or the IKA Renault Tornado Engine Workshop Manual – OEM Specs”>IKA Renault Tornado Engine Workshop Manual – OEM Specs if you’re working on other vintage equipment. Also see the Lister Petter TS, TR, TX 2005 Workshop Manual – OEM Factory Specs”>Lister Petter TS, TR, TX 2005 Workshop Manual – OEM Factory Specs for diesel engine specs. For broader context on automotive engineering, Automotive Industry Overview”>Automotive Industry Overview is useful, and if you need to understand the gearbox internals, Manual Transmission”>Manual Transmission explains the principles.

Who Really Needs This Manual?

If you own an Austin A30 Saloon, A35 Countryman, or A35 Van – or you’re a shop that works on British cars from the 1950s – this is the manual you put on the workbench, not in a drawer. Home garage enthusiasts: you can follow this without being a professional, but you need to be willing to read the entire section before touching the car. The maintenance attention chapter at the front lists all the service intervals and lubricant types. Don’t skip that. The manual also covers the Heater (Section S) which is a common failure point on these cars – the valve and cable adjustment is detailed so you don’t leak coolant into the cabin. If you’ve ever tried to fix an A30 without factory specs, you’ll appreciate having the correct feeler gauge clearances and torque settings right in front of you.

Does this manual cover both the A30 and A35?

Yes. Page 1 shows it covers Saloon, Countryman, and Van versions of both models. The introduction on page 2 confirms it’s prepared for the A30/35.

What torque specs are included?

Each section lists torque values where needed – cylinder head nuts, main bearing caps, flywheel bolts, wheel nuts. These are the factory figures from Austin, not aftermarket guesses. If you need a specific value, find the relevant section. For example, the engine section (A) has all fasteners for the A-series unit. Do not rely on generic torque charts for these cars – the A30 and A35 use different metallurgy than later vehicles.

Bottom line: stop trusting random forum posts or third-party reprints. This is the real manual issued by the Austin Motor Company. 229 pages of factory procedures, wiring, and specs. If you want to restore or maintain an A30/A35 without causing yourself more work, get the official documentation. Access the Factory Manual now and put it on your shop tablet or print it out. You’ll thank yourself when the head bolts need torquing.