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 have a 1975 spitfire and it wont star every thing electrical is good it terns over its getting gas but it just wont start i dont no whats wrong, my grandfather has been a mechanic for 30 years and he doesnt even no please help joe
Answer Joe,
Keep in that for ANY gas powered engine you need to have 4 things to get it to work:
1) Fuel
2) Air
3) Fire (ignition spark)
4) timing
Typically the problems are with either fuel (bad fuel pump, clogged fuel line, empty gas tank, etc) or "fire" ie bad points, failed electronic ignition, cruddy contacts in the distributor cap, etc.
So the first test is to figure if there is fuel. A quick way is to get a can of starting fluid (starting ether) and remove the air cleaner. Squirt a shot of ether into the carb and replace the air filter. If the car tries to kick, it's a fuel issue.
If not... time to check the fire. Get a spare spark plug and hook it to one of the spark plug leads. Ground the body of the "spare" spark plug against the engine and have your grandfather try to start the car. If you don't see spark then it's an ignition issue.
From there, you need to start tracing wires. If the car still has it's Lucas electronic igntion unit, it could easily be the problem. If the car has been retrofitted to points or has an aftermarket ignition sytem there are other things to check. Details in the archives.
