AboutJim Expertise My area of specialty is the Triumph Spitfire 1500 (1973-1980) although I have some technical experience with the GT6 and TR6 models also.
I can cover questions on all areas of the Spitfire, from basic mechanical questions to where to find original style seat covers and soft tops.
I am not an expert on the TR2/3/4 models. If you need specific detailed help with these models I first recommend obtaining a good repair manual such as the Robert Bentley manual for your particular model.
Experience I have been a Spitfire owner for 20 years and have done all my own repair work. On the Spitfire I've done just about everything except mount and balance tires.
In addition to street use I have been autocrossing a Spitfire with the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) in Modified class since 1997.
Organizations Red River Triumph Club
SCCA (Sports Car Club of America)
NASS (North American Spitfire Squadron)
FOT (Friends of Triumph)
Question I hear a whine when I push the clutch in. It doesn't happen all of the time. There seems to be no clutch plate slippage under torque. Sometimes, I can get it to stop by pumping the clutch pedal. Is it a bad throw-out bearing?
Answer Alan,
When the sound does happen, is it constant? Or does it die away in a couple of seconds?
If it's constant then it's most likely the throwout bearing. By pumping the clutch you might be getting the bearing to move around a bit so it stops making noise...
If it's a sound that dies down quickly then it might be the gearsets (laygear and 4 gears in mesh) making a bit of noise.
Luckily the transmission in the Spitfire isn't too difficult to remove, if you're mechanically inclined.
