Mark Seymour - Reference and Resources

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Reference: Ginetta G40 Known Issues

These are from my experience with a G40 GRDC / Cup car, and not a criticism, as these are excellent track cars and can take a lot of hard use. Brakes take the most maintenance and possibly replacement. Tyres last really well. The engine is strong, with occasional electronic / control glitches. Bodywork is sometimes an issue with mountings, catches, etc.

Known weaknesses

  • Exhaust movement (over time, the middle clamp below the passenger door allows movement of the system backwards, into the left-rear tyre)
  • Throttle sticking when engine hot e.g. in traffic - if this happens regularly, check the throttle position sensor (TPS) on the front end of the throttle body / linkage
  • Alternator weakness (bearing breakdown)
  • Alternator upper mounting bolt or bracket breakages. There is a replacement part for this bracket made of nylon.
    Broken alternator top bracket
  • Wiring around the alternator - cable corrosion and breakages, possibly because they are too short or un-sheathed
  • Fuse changes very difficult (old dashboard)
  • Fuel gauge is not accurate
  • Turn indicators stop working - relay comes loose, push back in (new dashboard)
  • Turn indicators stop working at front (fast flash on dashboard) - bulb mounting comes loose in headlight pod
  • Do not use a plug-in 12V compressor for inflating tyres; it will blow a 5A fuse and stop the car starting
  • Brake bleed screw on rear calipers seize up, so don't over-tighten
  • Factory-supplied rear-view mirror falls off, if stored in non-heated garage or in direct sunlight
  • Windscreen will crack easily, as the fit seems to be under a lot of tension and needs a release (caused by gravel strikes on track or even jacking up the car unevenly)
  • Door hinge mountings break down and door drops out of line. The mounting for the lower hinge needs strengthening.
  • Starter motor locks after a track session (when hot) or when battery is low (during storage). I'm not sure if this is a solenoid issue or the starter motor itself, but so far, it has resolved itself on my car, by repeated pushing of the start button.
  • Differential mounting bolts come loose (need regular tightening - 10 mm hexagon key to approx 25 n/m)
  • Rear wishbone joints at the wheel side have worn on my G40 after about 5,000 miles.

See also