Fuel filler
On Saloon models the fuel filler can be locked by using the ignition key. To open, press barrel lock, when lid will spring up.

Fuel filler, saloon models

On Coupé and late Saloon models the fuel filler is concealed under a cover panel; this panel can be locked against theft and can then only be opened from inside the luggage boot.
To gain access to the filler, pull back cover retaining lever situated adjacent to the L.H. boot lid hinge and open cover panel. To lock the cover panel, push in the retaining lever and lock the boot lid.

Fuel filler, Coupe models

As the cover panel has an over-centre action, it is not necessary to use the locking lever, unless so desired.
The petrol capacity of all 3 litre models is 14 Imperial. gallons (63,5 litres) including a reserve of approximately 1.5 gallons (7 litres).

Fuel recommendations
It is recommended that only premium grade fuels should be used.
When the car is run on lower grade fuel, the ignition may require to be retarded to avoid pinking.

Radiator filler
Occasionally check the water level; this must also be done at every maintenance inspection.
Access to the radiator filler is gained by lifting the bonnet panel.
The cooling system is pressurised and great care must be taken when removing the radiator filler cap, especially when the engine is hot, to avoid steam which may be blown out with considerable force.
When removing the filler cap, first turn it anti-clockwise to the stop and allow all pressure to escape, before turning further in the same direction to lift it off.

Radiator filler

When replacing the filler cap it is important that it is tightened down fully, not just to the first stop. Failure to tighten the filler cap properly may result in the water boiling away rapidly, with possible damage to the engine through over-heating.

The correct water level is one inch below the bottom of the filler neck; the total capacity of the system is 24 Imperial pints (13,7 litres).
Use soft water wherever possible; if the local water supply is hard, rain or distilled water should be used.

Frost precautions
As it is impracticable to fully drain the cooling system due to water being retained in the heating system, it is essential that a good quality glycol-base anti-freeze solution is used during cold weather.
As a thermostat is fitted in the system, it is possible for the radiator block to freeze in cold weather even though the engine running temperature is quite high; for this reason also, the use of an anti-freezing mixture is essential.

When the temperature is between 320F and 00F (00C and minus 180C) use 1 part of anti-freeze to 3 parts of water.

Radiator drain tap

Proceed as follows:
1. Ensure that the cooling system is leak-proof; anti-freezing solutions are far more "searching" at joints than water.
2. Drain and flush the system.
3. Mix the solution to the required strength in a separate container and refill the system.
4. Run the engine to ensure good circulation of the mixture.

If the car is to be stored in cold weather, unless it is kept in a well-heated garage or anti-freeze solution has been used, the cooling system must be completely drained, After the water has drained out, it is well to run the engine at a fast idling speed for not more than half a minute, so as to dry out any water that may have been retained in the bottom of the jacketing.

Cylinder block drain tap

During the winter months in Britain, cars leaving the Rover factory have the cooling system filled with 25% of anti-freeze mixture, This gives protection against frost down to 0F (minus 18C). Cars so filled can be identified by the blue label affixed to the right-hand side of the windscreen and a blue label tied to the engine.

The use on the roads during frosty weather of salt sometimes in quite strong concentrations, is now being widely practised. Whilst special protection has been provided for the under surfaces of the body etc., due to its highly corrosive nature salt deposited should be washed off as soon as possible by thorough under washing of the car.

Hand brake (42) (45)
This protrudes below the instrument panel. To release the brake, pull slightly, depress the release lever in the handle and push down as far as possible; to apply the brakes, pull the handle.

Warning light for handbrake and brake fluid level

Warning light, hand brake and brake level fluid (44) (46)
The rectangular amber warning light fitted on the lower edge of the facia panel adjacent to the hand brake, gives, when the ignition is on, visual indication that the hand brake is applied.Before starting to drive off ensure that the light is extinguished by releasing the hand brake.

This warning light is also used to indicate that the level of the brake fluid in the reservoir has dropped below the safe limit. Should, therefore, the light come on at any time when the hand brake is off, immediately investigate the cause. In any case the level in the brake reservoir tank
must be checked and replenished as necessary.

Gear change lever, 4-speed gearbox (26) (25)
The gears are selected by means of a remote control mechanism and the lever mounted centrally on the gearbox cover.

Gear change lever

Gear changing instructions
Gear changing is carried out in the normal manner. Synchromesh gears are provided for changing from first to second, second to third, third to top, top to third and third to second and in these cases single de-clutching may be used; for changing from second to first, it is advisable to use the double de-clutch method.
To engage reverse gear it is necessary to press down the plunger on top of the gear change lever.

Overdrive control switch, 4-speed gearbox (32) (31)
The lever on the inside of the steering column selects, when in top gear, overdrive or normal drive as required.
To select normal drive, press the control upwards, for overdrive press downwards.

Overdrive unit, 4-speed gearbox
The overdrive unit, attached to the rear of the gearbox, provides an extra high gear only when the gear lever is in 'top gear' and lowers the overall gear ratio from 4.3-1 to 3.35-1. This reduces engine speed by 22.3% in relation to road speed, thus permitting high road speeds with low engine revolutions resulting in fuel economy and reduced engine wear.

Overdrive control switch

Should third gear be required whilst the overdrive is engaged all that is necessary is to select third in the normal manner, when overdrive is automatically disengaged. Engine revolutions should be kept fairly high, depending on road speed, during this change, to minimise stress on the transmission.

On re-engaging top gear, overdrive will automatically be selected, providing the control switch on the steering column has not been moved and the accelerator pedal is slightly depressed.

Do not attempt to engage normal drive at speeds over 100 m.p.h. (160 k.p.h.).

In the unlikely event of any difficulty being experienced with the overdrive unit, this should immediately be referred to a Rover Distributor or Dealer.

Power steering, optional equipment on Saloon models, standard fitting on Coupé models
The power steering used on the Rover 3 litre cars is the fully integral type, that is, in the event of hydraulic failure the driver has full control over the car, although greater effort will be required to operate the steering wheel.

The system comprises the steering unit attached to the sub-frame, a hydraulic pump driven from the rear end of the dynamo, and an oil reservoir fitted to the left-hand wing valance. The three units are connected by rubber hoses.