| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| spitfire running odd | 8/27/2008 |
Q: I have a 1974 spitfire IV everything was going good so far until this morning, My car started right ...
A: Mark, Having to keep the choke pulled out is a sign that there is a some form of fuel delivery ...
|
| spitfire blowing fuse | 7/25/2008 |
Q: Jim, I have an 77 spitfire project car. It is blowing the top fuse in the bank of three when the ...
A: Scott, Then I hope the blue factory wire for radio power feed is properly insulated? According ...
|
| speedometer cable relacement | 7/23/2008 |
Q: I want to relpace the speedo cable on my 1979 Spitfire. My book states I can remove the old one from ...
A: Jan, What's possible is that the speedometer cable isn't pushed all the way up into the ...
|
| 74 Spitfire Timing | 7/23/2008 |
Q: I have a 74 spitfire 1500 that I am finishing up the rebuild on. I had a local machine shop ...
A: Wes, There is a 2:1 ratio on the Cam to crank gears. So when the crank is at #1 TDC the ignition ...
|
| Front Bumper Mount | 7/22/2008 |
Q: How should I mount a GT6 '63-65 front bumper to a 1979 Spitfire 1500 so that the hood hinges will ...
A: Terry, If you truly have a '63-'65 GT6 bumper you should get the rest of the car and restore it, as ...
|
| speedometer cable relacement | 7/22/2008 |
Q: I want to relpace the speedo cable on my 1979 Spitfire. My book states I can remove the old one from ...
A: Jan, Easiest way to work on anything transmission related is to pull the trans tunnel cover and do ...
|
| More information required re: Replacing the distributor | 7/19/2008 |
Q: I have a stupid question...I need to replace my distributor what are the correct steps to complete ...
A: Josephine, Ok, glad we're clear on the terms. As to replacing the plug wires, there's a ...
|
| More information required re: Replacing the distributor | 7/18/2008 |
Q: I have a stupid question...I need to replace my distributor what are the correct steps to complete ...
A: Josephine, Let's review and agree on some basic terminology so I can be sure I understand what your ...
|
| More information required re: Replacing the distributor | 7/17/2008 |
Q: I have a stupid question...I need to replace my distributor what are the correct steps to complete ...
A: Josephine, I need some more information before I can attempt to answer this question. Which model ...
|
| stranded | 7/16/2008 |
Q: I have a 73 1500. Once in a while it won't start, I just get the "click" similar to a dead battery. ...
A: Dennis, There are basically 5 different problems that will cause the problem you describe: 1) Low ...
|
| Steering wheel column | 7/15/2008 |
Q: I have a major problem with my steering column and I hope you can help! I bought a new steering ...
A: Kevin, The late Spitfires (1978-1980) used a larger diameter steering shaft, similar to what you ...
|
| Rear engine mount replacement | 7/12/2008 |
Q: I have a '74 Spit that needed new engine mounts. My grandson and I replaced the front ones easily ...
A: Smokey, Yes, you'll need to pull the trans cover in order to access the rear mounts. It'll mean ...
|
| brake master cylinder | 6/27/2008 |
Q: I am trying to restore my 62 TR4 and am having trouble removing the piston from the brake master ...
A: Gene, What you might try is to push the piston all the way up into the m/c and use some steel wool ...
|
| Reverse gear | 6/27/2008 |
Q: One of the teeth of the reverse gear of my laygear of my 1500 is damaged (it misses a piece). For me ...
A: Michel, As long as most of the gear tooth is still there it should be ok. Just keep in mind that ...
|
| engine | 6/22/2008 |
Q: i have a 1975 spitfire and it wont star every thing electrical is good it terns over its getting gas ...
A: Joe, Keep in that for ANY gas powered engine you need to have 4 things to get it to work: 1) Fuel ...
|
| 1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500 frozen engine | 6/21/2008 |
Q: 1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500 left sitting for three years. Pistons "frozen" in the cylinders. What ...
A: Joe, Keep in mind that the small furry critters love to make nests in Spitfires.. especially up in ...
|
| 1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500 frozen engine | 6/21/2008 |
Q: 1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500 left sitting for three years. Pistons "frozen" in the cylinders. What ...
A: Joe, Was the car running when "left to sit" 3 years ago? That'll be a big factor when it comes ...
|
| voltage stablizer | 6/18/2008 |
Q: Jim: Thanks for all your advice. Here is a new conumdrum. I have a 1965 Spitfire Mk2. The gas ...
A: Jeff, All the documentation on the Spitfires indicates that there was a voltage stabilizer for all ...
|
| Repairs to Triumph Spitfire 1500 | 6/17/2008 |
Q: Jim, I have owned my 1977 Triumph Spitfire 1500 since 1984. When I bought it it already had a few ...
A: Marigold, Actually the floor pan repair is fairly straight forward, assuming the rocker panels are ...
|
| J - Overdrive | 6/17/2008 |
Q: I have a 77 Spitfire, the overdrive works up to 50 mph; once I go over 50 mph, it slips in and out ...
A: Howard, The overdrive works by using gear oil pumped into the engagement pistons, with an ...
|
| valve lash clearance. | 5/28/2008 |
Q: I have a 1960 triumph3A I need to check the valve lash clearance on. How do I do that? thank you. ...
A: Steve, I'm not an expert on the wetliner engines but I'll hazard a guess that they're similar to ...
|
| 76 TR6 coughs | 5/27/2008 |
Q: My 76 TR running standard carbs, coughs as Im driving. Usually at lower rpm like when Im driving up ...
A: Mark, If the car responds better with the choke pulled... it's running too lean. It can be either ...
|
| Spitfire 1500 water temp and oil pressure | 5/26/2008 |
Q: Jim, I recently refinished my dash and replaced the stock temp gauge and sending unit with a new ...
A: Steve, Your oil pressure readings are spot on for a Spitfire 1500 in good health. The water temp ...
|
| tr6 not charging | 5/25/2008 |
Q: hey jim, i have a 74 tr6 and i cant seem to get it to keep a charge on the battery. i have a new ...
A: Bernie, When you turn on the ignition, does the ignition light come on? The alternator works by ...
|
| 1978 Triumph Spitfire 1500 | 5/24/2008 |
Q: While hitting about 3000 rpm, I felt some bucking and loss of power. Thought it was fuel issue but ...
A: Bob, Is the car fitted with the original Lucas electronic ignition, or a points type distributor or ...
|
| differental oil seals | 5/23/2008 |
Q: I have a question I am going to tackle the oil seals on my differental axles and pinion. do you have ...
A: Mark, If all you're doing is replacing the pinion seal, simply count the number of turns/partials ...
|
| differental oil seals | 5/22/2008 |
Q: I have a question I am going to tackle the oil seals on my differental axles and pinion. do you have ...
A: Mark, Changing the seals is a fairly straightforward process, providing the side axle bearings ...
|
| Down draft Webber conversion | 5/21/2008 |
Q: I bought a car with the Webber conversion all ready done. My question is there are a few things ...
A: John, The best bet is a Robert Bentley manual. I don't know of any online diagrams of the vapor ...
|
| Triumph Spitfire Rear Trunnion | 5/20/2008 |
Q: I'm rebuilding the rear suspension of my 1976 Spitfire 1500, and am having a heck of a time trying ...
A: John, The best I've come up with over the years is to use a sawz-all (or similar) and cut the bolt ...
|
| overdirve for my spitfire | 5/20/2008 |
Q: I own a 1975 Triumph spitfire 1500 and I was wondering if it is possible to add overdrive to it and ...
A: David, It's a fairly simple install to fit an overdrive trans. First off, you'll need to get an ...
|
| shift knob | 5/19/2008 |
Q: I have a 1976 spitfire and we are trying to get the shifter knob off .it has a slide lockout in the ...
A: Jeff, That's an aftermarket piece of junk and you need to send it to me immediately. My home ...
|
| disc brake conversion | 5/17/2008 |
Q: I have a 1978 Spitfire. I am doing an off frame restoration. I thought it would be nice to put disc ...
A: Shawn, You might take a peek at PRI Race (www.prirace.com), last I'd heard they either had a kit or ...
|
| vitesse non starter | 5/14/2008 |
Q: i can't get my 2 litre mk1 vitesse(with luminition electronic ignition) to start. I've got ...
A: Chris, Get a can of starting fluid (starting ether) and spray a shot into each carb. Put the air ...
|
| water choke on 79 spitfire | 5/11/2008 |
Q: Jim, The choke is flooding out the carb. when the car is running more on the hot side(which seems ...
A: Clarence, Let me put in my plug for the Robert Bentley repair manual, if you can find the late ...
|
| 1977 Spit 1500 | 5/9/2008 |
Q: So I read up on back end sagging and have launched into my first project with my "new" Spitfire. My ...
A: Linda, Interesting... I've never had issues getting the "stock" shocks installed. One idea is to ...
|
| fuel pump | 4/24/2008 |
Q: Recently I have had some troubles fixing up some minor problems on my 1978 1500 spitfire. It would ...
A: Anson, Obviously you want to check the line from the fuel pump back to the tank. There might be a ...
|
| GEARSHIFT KNOB REMOVAL | 4/18/2008 |
Q: I have a 1980 EUROPEAN SPECS Spitfire (no mods). I am attempting to replace the clutch slave ...
A: Andy, Don't remove the gearshift knob from the gearshift lever. Remove the carpet and undo ...
|
| Installing a MK1 Vitesse 2ltr engine into a 1500cc spitfire! | 4/16/2008 |
Q: I am just about to buy a 6 cylinder Vitesse MK1 2 litre engine with the intention of taking out my ...
A: Kevin, The Spitfire + 6 cylinder engine swap is common and there are some good online resources. ...
|
| Brake Fluid for Spitfire | 4/16/2008 |
Q: Jim, I have a 1979 Spitfire 1500. I have experienced the brake petal traveling all the way to the ...
A: Bill, If you're not going to rebuild the entire brake system then I'd recommend going with DOT4 ...
|
| TR6 Inspection | 3/28/2008 |
Q: Jim, I am looking at a TR6 in Sandy UT. I am trying to find some one to go look at the car for ...
A: Stephen, Best bet is to look at the chapter listing at the Vintage Triumph Register website ...
|
| Triumph Vitesse 2 litre MK 1- non starter | 3/19/2008 |
Q: After fitting a recon gearbox(with D typeoverdrive)on my Vitesse, i can't start the engine.The ...
A: Chris, Verify battery voltage with a voltmeter (should be greater than 13v for a "good" battery) ...
|
| Gas Tank Removal | 3/18/2008 |
Q: I have a 1979 Spitfire that has been sitting for a while. It looks like the gas has all evaporated ...
A: Fred, Typically the rubber filler neck piece "glues" it's way onto the metal of the tank and filler ...
|
| spitfire body removal | 3/17/2008 |
Q: I'm about to remove the body from the frame of my 79 Spitfire. I have everything unbolted but I'll ...
A: Matt, You could leave the doors in place and rely on them to keep the shell from crumpling. Or ...
|
| dry and wet test | 3/13/2008 |
Q: Jim, 1974 spitfire IV..I have just done a dry and wet test on my engine. Dry I got readings of 135 ...
A: Bruce, I'm guessing that it was the same cylinder with lower readings both times? There are no ...
|
| 76 Spitfire | 3/12/2008 |
Q: I was googling a possible solution to a starting problem when I came across your correspondence with ...
A: Dave, With the ignition turned on (engine off) if you can't keep voltage to the coil then the car ...
|
| Roll bar/cage Vitesse | 3/9/2008 |
Q: I quick question about roll bar/cages for a Triumph Vitesse convertible, as their is no expert on ...
A: Chris, I've never seen the roll bar setups for a Vitesse, so I have to base my experience on what ...
|
| engine cutting out | 3/7/2008 |
Q: I really need your help on this one I am so stumped. 1972 spitfire IV with a 74 1500 engine. My ...
A: Mark, Fuel in the air filter housing is a sign that the float level is set too high, or the needle ...
|
| engine cutting out | 3/7/2008 |
Q: I really need your help on this one I am so stumped. 1972 spitfire IV with a 74 1500 engine. My ...
A: Mark, Odd set of symptoms. Hard cornering/braking sounds like a float sticking, but the Stromberg ...
|
| Transmission and clutch | 3/5/2008 |
Q: Jim- It is Ross again. I was able to get the new transmission into the '74. Everything looked ...
A: Ross, "when I put into gear I can not turn the driveshaft by hand like I can when it is in ...
|
| diff qstion | 3/3/2008 |
Q: i have a 77 spitfire and i have to change the differential , i just get a used diff. in good shape. ...
A: Manuel, You're correct, the FK differential is a 4.11 ratio and your car should have a 3.89. The ...
|
| Transmission and Drveshaft Questions | 2/29/2008 |
Q: Jim- I have a '78 spit (parts car) and a 74' spit restoration project. My transmission does not ...
A: Ross, First question. Count the splines (ridges) in the center of the clutch disc. And measure ...
|
| D204 distributor in a GT6 | 2/28/2008 |
Q: Jim, I have a 1973 GT6 drivetrain in a 1980 Spitfire body. The PO had a shop do the conversion and ...
A: Bob, From what I've been able to discover, the D204 Spitfire distributor is essentially the same as ...
|
| 76 Spitfire | 2/26/2008 |
Q: I was googling a possible solution to a starting problem when I came across your correspondence with ...
A: Dave, The quickest test is to get a basic voltmeter and connect the positive lead to the + power ...
|
| Transmission and Drveshaft Questions | 2/25/2008 |
Q: Jim- I have a '78 spit (parts car) and a 74' spit restoration project. My transmission does not ...
A: Ross, If no one has tinkered with the cars previously, the '74 should have a 3 rail transmission ...
|
| diff. qst | 2/24/2008 |
Q: .. when i buy my 77 spit.. has a big noise at the rear end . like a click click when the tires are ...
A: Manuel, If you've replaced all 4 u-joints (driveshaft and side axles) and you're still getting a ...
|
| Flasher units | 2/24/2008 |
Q: Another query about flasher units. On a Triumph Herald when the indicator switch is activated the ...
A: Chris, I have be honest, I've been fighting that battle with my '78 Spitfire also. One blink... ...
|
| mark 111 | 2/23/2008 |
Q: I own a 1968 triumph spitfire mark 111, I live in winnipeg canada, where in this neck of the woods ...
A: Rick, Best bets..... Look on the Vintage Triumph Register website (www.VTR.org) to see if there is ...
|
| exhaust manifold | 2/20/2008 |
Q: Jim, I have a 80 spitfire 1500 with a cracked exhaust manifold. I am looking at headers from spit ...
A: Daniel, I guess my take on it would be... if you're going to stay "original" then you need to find ...
|
| TR6 Pollution Equipment | 2/20/2008 |
Q: To get the car running, the previous owner fiddled with the pollution control equipment on my 75 TR6 ...
A: Cam, Some of the emissions gear reduced performance, but some other parts of the system actually ...
|
| 79 Spitfire cold starting problems | 2/19/2008 |
Q: I frequently have to charge the battery on my spit during winter (once or twice a week). The car is ...
A: Joe, If the electrical system is showing 14v with the engine running then the issue is not the ...
|
| Spitfire choke? | 2/17/2008 |
Q: I have a 1980 1500 Spitfire, is it meant to have choke? there is one spare item on the dash that ...
A: Tom, The 1980 Spitfire was equipped from the factory with a water temperature controlled automatic ...
|
| crown wheel and gear | 2/17/2008 |
Q: I have a 1972 spitfire IV the engine was replaced with a 1500 motor. and I still have a 4.11 rear ...
A: Mark, Unless you have a good tool setup replacing the ring and pinion yourself successfully isn't a ...
|
| Flasher unit | 2/16/2008 |
Q: i've purchased a half restored Triumph Herald, and have fitted a indicator/flasher unit. With the ...
A: Chris, I'm guessing it's a negative earth (ground) system? You might check all the ground points ...
|
| spitfire 1500 clutch problem | 2/15/2008 |
Q: our recently purchased spitfire 1500 1979 has been running fine, if a little bit notchy on some gear ...
A: Peter, It's a bit of a coincidence that both would fail at the same time. Not impossible.. just ...
|
| Prop shaft alignment | 2/14/2008 |
Q: Jim , first you may recall you gave us advice (all good) about removing the tub. Well its off. We ...
A: Roger and Chris, While you've got everything apart it's not a bad time to check the frame for ...
|
| another question | 2/13/2008 |
Q: by the way already check that ligth and it doesn't turn on when a start ignition, and I check the ...
A: Manuel, In order to fit a Spitfire Mk II bonnet/bumper on you car you'd need: Spitfire Mk II ...
|
| tuning 1500 | 2/12/2008 |
Q: I have just brought myself a colourtune kit as it worked wonders on my friends mg, where on my 1500 ...
A: Thomas, If your car is still fitted with the factory HS4s then the adjuster is in the traditional ...
|
| in 72 the TR6 was split in two. how do I know which part mine is | 2/12/2008 |
Q: Is there actual date that a difference in car parts for the TR6 happened. and how can I tell which ...
A: Antonio, The most obvious change in the TR6s that occurred in the early 70's was a change in the ...
|
| triumph 1979 spitfire | 2/9/2008 |
Q: I am going to change out my us rubber bumpers with the chrome. One of the articles said I need to ...
A: Lee, The easiest thing to do would be to find someone locally with a chrome bumper car and look ...
|
| 1974 Spitfire 1500 | 2/7/2008 |
Q: I have a general Spitfire question. I grew up on Triumphs, and MG's and loved them, but never had a ...
A: Don, I hate to have to say this... but it sounds like you need to find another mechanic. At least ...
|
| heat insulation | 2/5/2008 |
Q: Jim: To continue our conversation about installing heat insulation. A few web sites talk about ...
A: Jeff, When you say "transmission housing" I'm guessing you're referring to the transmission cover? ...
|
| heat insulation | 2/5/2008 |
Q: Jim: To continue our conversation about installing heat insulation. A few web sites talk about ...
A: Jeff, Let's back up a step or two. Have you made sure that the trans tunnel is sealed completely? ...
|
| vitesse Gearboxes | 2/4/2008 |
Q: Recently bought a 1968 mk1 2ltr Triumph Vitesse and the gearbox is incredibly noisey(it whines). I ...
A: Chris, I haven't had the pleasure of working on a Vitesse (they're fairly rare on this side of the ...
|
| Spitfire 1500 Engine Rebuild Questions | 2/3/2008 |
Q: I have a 78 Spit 1500 with flat top pistons, a Kent Cam (slightly hotter than stock, but not a race ...
A: Cy, If you're just using the "stock" 9:1 flat tops the standard head gasket should be ok. If you ...
|
| 1976 Triumph Spitfire Clutch | 2/2/2008 |
Q: My specific question is in regards to the clutch disingagment from slave cylinder. How far should ...
A: Wayne, I don't have the exact number but 3/4" sound about right for the slave cylinder throw. Keep ...
|
| Engine Replacement | 1/30/2008 |
Q: I have a 1964 Spitfire triumph with a useless engine. I would like to replace the engine with ...
A: Michael, Are you saying the engine is shot, or that it doesn't have the performance you want? The ...
|
| firewall insulation | 1/29/2008 |
Q: Jim: as always, thanks for all your great advice. I have a new challenge for my 1965 Spitfire. ...
A: Jeff, In the footwell area? Peel back the carpet and make sure that nothing has been rerouted ...
|
| firewall insulation | 1/29/2008 |
Q: Jim: as always, thanks for all your great advice. I have a new challenge for my 1965 Spitfire. ...
A: Jeff, I've never dealt with installing insulation... in Texas we just accept the heat and bear it. ...
|
| Spitfire Engines | 1/27/2008 |
Q: Jim- I am also restoring a 1971 Spitfire that has a frozen engine. Is there another type of engine ...
A: Ross, The only non-Spitfire engine that is a direct drop in for the Spitfire engine is.... an MG ...
|
| line on carb | 1/25/2008 |
Q: I was looking at my carb. today stromberg 1972 spitfire IV. I found a line at the the bottom of the ...
A: Mark, Sorry, there's no email associated with this account. If you can post it on one of the ...
|
| line on carb | 1/25/2008 |
Q: I was looking at my carb. today stromberg 1972 spitfire IV. I found a line at the the bottom of the ...
A: Mark, There are no external fittings on teh bottom of the carb or mount on the stock Mk IV ...
|
| tr6 wheels | 1/24/2008 |
Q: i'd like other options besides panasports, wires, or stock wheels. i'd like to go to 15x7's and i ...
A: merle or rusty, Keep in mind that when you're talking about wheels and offsets, it's related to ...
|
| tr6 wheels | 1/24/2008 |
Q: i'd like other options besides panasports, wires, or stock wheels. i'd like to go to 15x7's and i ...
A: merle or rusty, One option for custom wheels for the TR6 is Diamond Racing wheels ...
|
| spitfire transmissin | 1/19/2008 |
Q: Last year a friend and I rebuilt the transmission in my 79 spitfire( witho/d). We put it together 3 ...
A: Kurt, I highly recommend the Bentley manuals for the Spitfire. Make sure you get the manual for ...
|
| 1976 Spit | 1/17/2008 |
Q: Jim, My husband is trying to set the ignition points. Can you tell him what they should be set to?
A: Donna, The '76 Spitfire should have had the Lucas electronic ignition setup. Do you know which ...
|
| engine not shuting off | 1/16/2008 |
Q: 1972 spitfire IV this just happened today never had troubles like this in the past. I haven't ...
A: Mark, This is an odd one. As delivered from the factory there was no connection between the ...
|
| 79 Spitfire differential | 1/15/2008 |
Q: Jim, I rebuilt a 79 Spitfire but didn't refurbish the diff. It has been fine until recently. It ...
A: Fred, You don't need a diff case spreader to remove the back cover (back casing) portion. You need ...
|
| TR7 differential problem | 1/14/2008 |
Q: I know this question might be a bit outside your specialised areas, but looking at your great ...
A: Fernando, 4 speed or 5 speed? Is it better or worse when you accelerate? Back off on the gas? ...
|
| 79 Spitfire differential | 1/12/2008 |
Q: Jim, I rebuilt a 79 Spitfire but didn't refurbish the diff. It has been fine until recently. It ...
A: Fred, Before you disturb the pinion flange pull the back diff cover off (you need to remove the ...
|
| 1500 journal measurements | 1/8/2008 |
Q: I have a customer restoring a rubber bumper Mg Midget which as far as I know shared the same engine ...
A: Since I'm geared towards helping the enthusiast, I suspect you won't mind paying my consulting rate ...
|
| pulley nut removal | 1/7/2008 |
Q: Jim, Sorry, but after I re-read my letter to you I noticed that I left out a key word. The ...
A: Chris, Couple of different possibilities. Even without the engine locked via the trans it's ...
|
| 1979 1500 Valve Adjustment | 1/6/2008 |
Q: I've done VWs and V8s. I guess it is different than I'm use to. Could you explain?
A: Jerry, I'm not sure what you don't understand. I'm looking at the Haynes Spitfire manual now and ...
|
| State Emissions Test | 12/10/2007 |
Q: The reason I am asking this question to a non-jeep owner is that my situation would seem at least to ...
A: Mike, What I'd suggest is get the vehicle warmed up and look at the tail pipe. If it's still a ...
|
| POP NOISE REAR END? | 12/9/2007 |
Q: Glad to see your back.. I am having problems with pop noise on my 1972 spitfire IV. I have looked at ...
A: Mark, If the prop shaft bolts were loose for a while it's possible that either the bolts are worn a ...
|
| POP NOISE REAR END? | 12/9/2007 |
Q: Glad to see your back.. I am having problems with pop noise on my 1972 spitfire IV. I have looked at ...
A: Mark, It sounds like something is getting torqued under acceleration... then moving back when you ...
|
| Spitfire cam timing | 12/8/2007 |
Q: I am going crazy! How can I set the cam/crank timing on a Spitfire 1300 motor? I have checked and ...
A: Benjamin, You need to put #1 at TDC and with .050 clearance on both the intake and exhaust valves ...
|
| Gas Smell | 12/5/2007 |
Q: My 1977 Triumph " Project" Spitfire smells smell like Gas...how do I narrow down the solution? I'm ...
A: Brad, There are several types of supports available. Of the axle stands, there are two main types, ...
|
| Rear Bearing | 12/3/2007 |
Q: I have a 1976 Spitfire 1500 and there is a clicking noise coming from the rear when I am driving. ...
A: Florian, Aft of the transmission the Spitfire has 4 u-joints (or three if the driveshaft has the CV ...
|
| Gas Smell | 12/2/2007 |
Q: My 1977 Triumph " Project" Spitfire smells smell like Gas...how do I narrow down the solution? I'm ...
A: Brad, Keep in mind that the fuel filler cap is only about 3 feet away from the driver's seat. If ...
|
| Gas Smell | 12/1/2007 |
Q: My 1977 Triumph " Project" Spitfire smells smell like Gas...how do I narrow down the solution? I'm ...
A: Brad, Is it while you're driving? Sitting still? Just walking into the garage? Look for obvious ...
|
| Oil specifications | 12/1/2007 |
Q: What type oil should be used on a 1973 triumph tr6
A: Glen, Personally I don't recommend using any oil ON a TR6, use a good wax instead. As to motor ...
|
| 1979 triumph spitefire | 11/15/2007 |
Q: I'm restoring my 79 spitefire and need a front overrider bumper, and I would like new original seat ...
A: Dennis, There is a good list of vendors on the Vintage Triumph Register (www.VTR.org) website. ...
|
| Will a 1500 engine fit? | 11/15/2007 |
Q: Greetings! Thanks in advance for the assistance! I have a 1971 Spitfire that I'm attempting to ...
A: Dave, Externally the Spitfire blocks are all the same, from the first 1147s to the last 1500s. ...
|
| '74 Spitfire catch bottle | 11/9/2007 |
Q: Jim, You recently gave me some advice for installing a catch bottle on my '74 Spitfire. I ...
A: Tom, If you're getting that much blowby then it's a sign that something is quite worn in the ...
|
| TR6 | 11/5/2007 |
Q: Jim, Kevin again regarding my TR6. Thanks for the quick answer to my question about quick reving ...
A: Kevin, Ok, that's a bit different. Fast idle is normally 2000-2500 rpm... what you're describing ...
|
| TR6 - Choke Sticking | 11/5/2007 |
Q: The weather has turned a little cold here (-2 Celcius) in Calgary, Alberta. When I start my TR6 ...
A: Kevin, Hmmm... any thoughts eh? How about moving somewhere warmer? Nah... just kidding. ...
|
| 77 Spitfire Ignition problem | 11/4/2007 |
Q: I have been chasing sparks on my 77 Spit for a while. I'll break this down to make it easier to ...
A: Mark, The electronic ignition unit replaced the points in the old style ignition setup. In the ...
|
| 77 Spitfire Ignition problem | 11/4/2007 |
Q: I have been chasing sparks on my 77 Spit for a while. I'll break this down to make it easier to ...
A: Mark, There should a ballast resistor in the system. Typically they were mounted near the ...
|
| Clutch Problems | 11/1/2007 |
Q: Jim, I recently brought a 1980 Spitfire 1500 RHD, a month or two after having the car I experienced ...
A: Thomas, There are several things that could be causing the problem. First off... when you bleed ...
|
| spitfire indicators | 10/31/2007 |
Q: i have a 1979 1500 spitfire, when the lights, or a lot of power is being drained from the ...
A: Glyn, One other thing it could be is the flasher unit itself. Just about any autoparts store ...
|
| seat retrofit | 10/31/2007 |
Q: we have a 1979 spitfire 1500 and the seats need to be replaced/reupholstered. I have seen Miata ...
A: John, I've heard from several people who have fitted the Miata seats. From the comments made: 1) ...
|
| spitfire indicators | 10/30/2007 |
Q: i have a 1979 1500 spitfire, when the lights, or a lot of power is being drained from the ...
A: Glyn, When you turn the turn signal the light does light up? Just not blink? Or no light ...
|
| triumph spitfire 1500 | 10/28/2007 |
Q: Hey. So I have a spitfire 1500 and have some weird problems that my mechanic claims arent there. ...
A: Daniel, If you remove the rubber seal at the soft top header (the part that attaches to the ...
|
| TR7 wiper motor wiring | 10/28/2007 |
Q: Hey Jim I have a strange question. I am working on a friends car that has a TR7 wiper motor ...
A: John, Got me confused. There should be a wiring harness with connector on it for the wiper motor. ...
|
| Water Pump leak | 10/27/2007 |
Q: My water pump start to leak slowy from about two days ago, but I still drive to work and carry water ...
A: Leon, Keep in mind that you have a cast iron block and head. After a day or two you'll have orange ...
|
| Spitfire 1500 78 tub removal | 10/27/2007 |
Q: My son Chris and I have disconnected everything (we think) and the 12 bolts are out. How do we lift ...
A: Roger, You should be able to remove the tub without bracing the door openings, as long as the ...
|
| Spitfire 1500 78 tub removal | 10/26/2007 |
Q: My son Chris and I have disconnected everything (we think) and the 12 bolts are out. How do we lift ...
A: Roger, Don't forget to unhook the parking brake cable at the rear wheels, or undo the entire cable ...
|
| Spitfire Diverter Valve | 10/26/2007 |
Q: I live in California and have a stock 79 1500 Spitfire. All the smog equipment is in place. The ...
A: Brian, I don't know of anyone making a GM diverter fit... it doesn't mean it can't or won't work, ...
|
| Spitfire catch bottle | 10/22/2007 |
Q: Jim, Thanks for your recent help regarding my 1974 Spitfire 1500 distributor. You have also been ...
A: Tom, No problem, I just blame it on the cold rainy weather that just arrived. What the catch ...
|
| triumph spitfire 1500 | 10/21/2007 |
Q: Hey. So I have a spitfire 1500 and have some weird problems that my mechanic claims arent there. ...
A: Daniel, It could be the ignition switch itself giving problems. Another test is to put a voltmeter ...
|
| triumph spitfire 1500 | 10/21/2007 |
Q: Hey. So I have a spitfire 1500 and have some weird problems that my mechanic claims arent there. ...
A: Daniel, The vibration on the highway at 3500 rpm is likely caused by more than one thing in the ...
|
| 1974 Spitfire distributor | 10/20/2007 |
Q: Jim, I am restoring a '74 Spitfire 1500. It has a Delco D204 distributor. When I got it after ...
A: The catch bottle can be made from just about anything, keeping in mind that it's got to fit into ...
|
| 1974 Spitfire distributor | 10/20/2007 |
Q: Jim, I am restoring a '74 Spitfire 1500. It has a Delco D204 distributor. When I got it after ...
A: Tom, From the factory there was a hose from the valve cover and a hose from the carb fitting that ...
|
| 1974 Spitfire distributor | 10/19/2007 |
Q: Jim, I am restoring a '74 Spitfire 1500. It has a Delco D204 distributor. When I got it after ...
A: Tom, First off, proper point gap is .015 As to the orientation of the plug wires in the ...
|
| tr250 head gasket leak | 10/18/2007 |
Q: I installed an aluminum[TRF] valve cover[with vent tube] and now oil is heavily seeping from the ...
A: Tom, Carefully de-oil the engine. Once it's dry either put a chalk mark all the way around the ...
|
| Triumph Spitfire transmission | 10/17/2007 |
Q: It helped a lot. My Spitfire is an MKIV manufactured in 1970 as a 1971. First gear is not ...
A: Wes, Keep in mind that you'll need some specialized tools for the rebuild and that while you're in ...
|
| 22'radiator | 10/17/2007 |
Q: Question I have a 1972 spitfire 4 with a 15" radiator on it that was old and leaking need to be ...
A: Mark, It sounds like either the lead from the temp sensor is disconnected or shorted, or the wiring ...
|
| 79 Spit Carb Issues | 10/15/2007 |
Q: Jim, I have a 79 Spit with a Stromberg carb (converted to a manual choke) and had troubles in ...
A: Don, Blue smoke is a sign that oil is getting burnt in the combustion chamber. Is the smoke on ...
|
| Spitfire transmission | 10/15/2007 |
Q: Recently I was descending a steep route and my transmission popped out of 2nd gear. It has been ...
A: Wes, The gears ride on the mainshaft on bronze bushings and are "locked" into gear with spring ...
|
| Spitfire engine swap with Datsun/Nissan | 10/14/2007 |
Q: My son recently purchased a used Spitfire from a local used car dealer, not sure if '76 or '77 with ...
A: Carl, What was the extent of the damage? One or both valves bent? Did it crack the rocker arm(s)? ...
|
| 73 TR6 engine into a Spitfire | 10/12/2007 |
Q: can you put a TR6 engine and trans in a spitfire without any major modification? and what all is ...
A: Wes, I guess it depends upon your definition of "major modification". The Triumph factory ...
|
| ignition wiring? | 10/12/2007 |
Q: I just bought a '77 spitfire with a rebuilt engine and Weber carb. It ran great until one morning, ...
A: Adam, US Market car? If so, the white/blue wire is the feed from the drive resistor to the ...
|
| TR# rear shock replacement | 10/11/2007 |
Q: I have recently purchased a 1960 TR3. I noticed the car had a list to one side and now I find a ...
A: Tim, Basic advice: Good jack stands and make sure the car is well supported before crawling under. ...
|
| 1981 Triumph TR7 | 10/11/2007 |
Q: My car won't start. I took it to a mechanic and he replace the Electric Fuel pump, the gas filter, ...
A: Carlos, The plug with the 3 white wires are necessary to make the distributor actually deliver ...
|
| Spitfire Convertible top window seal | 10/8/2007 |
Q: Jim, I have read through the post and did not see one with the same issue. I have a couple ...
A: Bob, Some of the tops had a flap of vinyl attached to the underside that clipped around the top ...
|
| Distributor & Ignition Switch | 10/3/2007 |
Q: I am restoring a 74 Spitfire 1500 and want to upgrade the distributor from stock. I also want to ...
A: Kris, If the bushings in your stock distributor are ok then the quick upgrade is to fit a Pertronix ...
|
| Blown engine | 10/2/2007 |
Q: I had a DCOE 45 carb installed in my 1975 Spitfire. On the way home from the shop an engine rod came ...
A: Frank, Bolting a carb that will flow more gas such as the 45 DCOE will definitely put more stress ...
|
| Rear Suspension | 10/1/2007 |
Q: I have a 1975 spitfire 1500. The rear wheels look very bowed out. the rear leaf spring was replaced ...
A: Ken, As the springs "de-arch" the wheels will gain negative camber (bottom of wheels "out"). Not ...
|
| Triumph spitfire disc brake removal | 10/1/2007 |
Q: I would like to know how to remove the grease caps from the front hubs of my '71 spitfire. I have ...
A: Alex, There are a couple of different methods that'll work. Some of the grease caps had a hole ...
|
| ignition light stays on over heating | 9/10/2007 |
Q: Can you tell me what I should look for My ignition light stay red all the time in my 72 spitfire 4. ...
A: The part you're looking for is a "Voltage Stabilizer". At Rimmer Bros (www.rimmerbros.co.uk) it's ...
|
| new spitfire owner advice | 9/9/2007 |
Q: Jim, I recently purchased a 78 Spitfire 1500. I do not plan on maintaining it on my own, as I have ...
A: Kristen, Partly it will depend upon the shop. Since repair shops also make some money on selling ...
|
| ignition light stays on over heating | 9/9/2007 |
Q: Can you tell me what I should look for My ignition light stay red all the time in my 72 spitfire 4. ...
A: Mark, What is the voltage at the battery with the engine off, and with the engine running? The ...
|
| 1979 spit | 8/27/2007 |
Q: I recently bought a 1979 spitfire for my wife, and it does not get spark from the coil all of the ...
A: Jarod, It's possible to verify that all the mechanical parts in the choke assembly are clean and ...
|
| 1979 spit with no fire | 8/26/2007 |
Q: I recently bought a 1979 spitfire for my wife, and it does not get spark from the coil all of the ...
A: Jarod, The late Spitfires used a 6v coil and a ballast resistor in the wiring harness for running, ...
|
| 1979 Spitfire EGR valve | 8/26/2007 |
Q: Jim, I am in the process of replacing the original Stromberg carburetor with a Weber DGEC ...
A: Lance, I guess it depends upon what your goal is. The EGR valve lets exhaust back into the ...
|
| carb | 8/18/2007 |
Q: I own a 74' spitfire, what would be the best carb? Also i am a novice mechanic- i bought the car ...
A: Earl, In an perfect world the timing should be independent of the carb used. In reality the ...
|
| 77 Spit Diff ratio | 8/18/2007 |
Q: Jim, I have a 77 Spit which I believe has had the differential gears changed. The differential ...
A: Mark, The typical overdrive unit ratio is approx. .79. So adding overdive to the original 3.89 ...
|
| 1968tr250 | 8/17/2007 |
Q: my car was running fine and just died now i have no spark. the car has a new distributor coil points ...
A: Chris, Work through it logically, go for the basics first. 12v at the + terminal on the coil with ...
|
| 1972 TR6 PDWA Issue | 8/14/2007 |
Q: I'm restoring a 72 TR6 and was bleeding the brakes when I discovered that the PDWA switch was ...
A: Ken, If it's leaking through the switch then it's possible that replacing the switch itself may ...
|
| twin SUs on a 1500 engine | 8/14/2007 |
Q: I have been helping my cousin with her 70 Spitfire MKIII. The engine needed to be rebuilt so she ...
A: Keith, If the car is a true '70 model then the single Stromberg was the correct carb for that year, ...
|
| startermotor problem ! | 8/13/2007 |
Q: I have bought a MK 1V 1971 Triumph Spitfire, the engine is a 1500cc engine with a 1300 gear box, it ...
A: Mark, All years of Spitfire used the same starter motor. The clutch disk did change and in order ...
|
| twin SUs on a 1500 engine | 8/12/2007 |
Q: I have been helping my cousin with her 70 Spitfire MKIII. The engine needed to be rebuilt so she ...
A: Keith, What I'm suspecting is either the timing not being correct or the carbs not balanced or ...
|
| sending unit | 8/9/2007 |
Q: I have a 1976 Spitfire 1500. I replaced the stock temperature guage with an Autometer Z series 2 ...
A: Matt, Using the upper radiator hose for a measuring point sounds like the best compromise you can ...
|
| Carb adjustment | 8/8/2007 |
Q: I bought a 1977 Spitfire and I am trying to get everything tuned to the best possible fuel and power ...
A: Mark, One thing I wonder is if the engine was ever rebuilt... if so it could have the high ...
|
| Carb adjustment | 8/8/2007 |
Q: I bought a 1977 Spitfire and I am trying to get everything tuned to the best possible fuel and power ...
A: Mark, Gray/white smoke on the overrun is a lean condition. Black soot on the bumper is either the ...
|
| brake master cylinder | 8/7/2007 |
Q: I Jim, I rebuilt my brake master cylinder about 6 weeks ago and now it has begun to start to leak ...
A: Mark, A lot of the brake rebuild kits these days are coming from one manufacturer in Australia. I ...
|
| sending unit | 8/4/2007 |
Q: I have a 1976 Spitfire 1500. I replaced the stock temperature guage with an Autometer Z series 2 ...
A: Matt, One idea for the thermostat housing would be to drill/retap the housing to take a larger size ...
|
| ignition ab14 lucas | 8/4/2007 |
Q: i just recently bought a 74' spitfire. I am a novice mechanic but i greatly enjoy learning and ...
A: Earl, There are a couple of things you can do without opening the block. Most basic is to improve ...
|
| No fire at distributor | 8/3/2007 |
Q: I just purchased a real nice 1978 Spitfire with 37,000 actual miles that has not run for about 6 ...
A: JD, A problem with the electronic ignition system is that the unit either works or does not work, ...
|
| spitfire ignition | 8/1/2007 |
Q: I ahve a 78 1500 spit that I have had for several years and never driven. my sone and i have begun ...
A: Bucky, The next step is to figure out which ignition system is installed in the car. Originally it ...
|
| ignition coil | 7/24/2007 |
Q: Jim On a triumph tr-4, does the + or- terminal on the coil go to the distributor? ...
A: Jerry, Basic rule of thumb: whichever way the car is grounded, connect that lead from the coil to ...
|
| Spitfire hardtops and softtops | 7/24/2007 |
Q: The first question is in regards to my softtop for my 66 Spitfire Mk2. I have recently sent it in to ...
A: Phil, I'll have to profess ignorance when discussing tops on Spitfire4 and Mk2s. The best manual ...
|
| Triumph Power Problems | 7/21/2007 |
Q: I own a 78 Triumph Spitfire 1500 that I've had for three years. I am an extremely novice mechanic. ...
A: Ryan, The needle on the Stromberg CD150s should be spring loaded and move fairly easily in the ...
|
| 1500 1976 triumph spitfire back firing | 7/21/2007 |
Q: My car started back firing last summer. I've changed the air filter and spark plugs. What else ...
A: Backfiring is typically a symptom of the timing being off. At the same time it's worth checking to ...
|
| 1974 Spitfire Thermostatic valve hookup | 7/20/2007 |
Q: welcome back. I have a late model 1974 Spitfire with the 1493cc engine,a supposed 150CD4 Stromberg ...
A: Bob, How long have you had the car? There should be a fitting on the top of the carb near the ...
|
| carburator | 7/19/2007 |
Q: i just typed anouther question a minute ago and fould that you had already awnsered most of it. but ...
A: Jerry, There are the two fittings on the side of the carb throat towards the firewall. The lower ...
|
| Ignition Problem 79 Spitfire | 7/18/2007 |
Q: I am the proud owner of a 1979 Triumph Spitfire that up until recently was running just peachy. We ...
A: Justin, First step: contact the vendor you bought the distributor from and ask for a proper hookup ...
|
| more on oils | 7/17/2007 |
Q: Some of the guys racing in Australia are running 85 / 140 Hypoid oil, stating that the Spitfire diff ...
A: Martyn, Using a thicker oil will increase the temps in the diff as the oil itself will add some ...
|
| 76 Spit - EGR light | 7/16/2007 |
Q: I knew I was forgetting something. Ever since I got the car, the EGR light has been on -- I take ...
A: Thomas, From what I can tell the EGR light was tripped off the service interval indicator. I don't ...
|
| 76 Spit - various questions | 7/16/2007 |
Q: a couple more questions about my car -- When I shift into 3rd from 2nd, and especially downshift ...
A: Thomas, Let's see... 1) Gear shift "clunk" or grind. If it's not happening in other gears and ...
|
| running to hot | 7/15/2007 |
Q: I own a 75 spitfire and I,m haveing a problem with it running to hot. I had the radiator boiled and ...
A: David, There should be a sticker on the inside of the bonnet with the correct timing settings. If ...
|
| electric cooling fan | 7/14/2007 |
Q: I have just removed the cooling fan on my mk2 triumph spitfire because it also has an electric fan ...
A: Kevin, I guess the question is... how is the electric fan controlled? Is it on a thermostat sensor ...
|
| running to hot | 7/14/2007 |
Q: I own a 75 spitfire and I,m haveing a problem with it running to hot. I had the radiator boiled and ...
A: David, How do you know it's running hot? Temp gauge or is it overflowing the radiator system? If ...
|
| carburator | 7/13/2007 |
Q: Anyway the previous owner removed the carburetor and now i cant figure out where all the lines go. ...
A: Jerry, The main fuel feed to the carb comes off the fuel pump on the drivers side of the block and ...
|
| tr7 want start | 7/13/2007 |
Q: I checked the ignition and there isn't any fire coming to the spark pluges. It has electroic ...
A: Jim, If it's the original Lucas system the best test seems to be to set the coil lead where you can ...
|
| Collars for front shock | 7/12/2007 |
Q: I have a set of NOS Unipart front shocks for a '79 Spitfire 1500 (I don't have the original Unipart ...
A: Fred, Not sure about Charlie.. I've seen his name mentioned several times in the recent past but I ...
|
| Collars for front shock | 7/12/2007 |
Q: I have a set of NOS Unipart front shocks for a '79 Spitfire 1500 (I don't have the original Unipart ...
A: Fred, Small world. I was a member of the club in '89. Having reawakened those dormant brain ...
|
| Ignition Problem 79 Spitfire | 7/11/2007 |
Q: I am the proud owner of a 1979 Triumph Spitfire that up until recently was running just peachy. We ...
A: Justin, Not sure why you had to replace the distributor... the bracket that holds the distributor ...
|
| Another question and a clarification | 7/11/2007 |
Q: I just sent a question about half an hour ago, and forgot a couple things. First off, it's a White ...
A: Thomas, First thing to do is pull the door panel. It's a pain removing the window crank but it can ...
|
| Spitfire Rust and Mileage | 7/11/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if you knew whether I could put 15% ethanol has into a Triumph? This isn't E85 -- ...
A: Thomas, Mid to high 20s for a Spitfire isn't terribly bad. I've had people claim that low-30s is ...
|
| Collars for front shock | 7/11/2007 |
Q: I have a set of NOS Unipart front shocks for a '79 Spitfire 1500 (I don't have the original Unipart ...
A: Fred, Couple of things you can do. First off, have you tried the local club? There's a good DC ...
|
| Triumph Spitfire Mechanic in Honolulu | 7/11/2007 |
Q: Jim: Aloha from Hawaii. I recently purchased a 1973 Spitfire 1500. Its' in great shape, but I do ...
A: Steve, Sorry, I don't have any good leads for mechanics in the 50th state. You might try joining ...
|
| Sptfire Carb problems | 6/28/2007 |
Q: I have a 1500 with a stromberg 150CD, when I accelerate the Air Valve and needle valve are not ...
A: Garth, It sounds like the diaphram is starting to split or tear, allowing air to leak past. ...
|
| Radio | 6/27/2007 |
Q: I have what I think is a simple question. I have a 76 Spitfire. I pulled out the aftermarket radio ...
A: Matt, If the radio from the TR6 fit without modifying the TR6 dash support then it should fit the ...
|
| choke conversion | 6/26/2007 |
Q: I've been looking for the parts to do a conversion from electric to manual for my webers I'm putting ...
A: Dave, I can recommend a couple of good vendors, but I'll let you do the legwork to verify if any ...
|
| radiator overheating | 6/26/2007 |
Q: I have another question for you. As The heat in Florida rises so does my 1972 spitfire mk4. the ...
A: Mark, No, the Spitfires weren't really made for the American market, even though we got most of the ...
|
| Speedo | 6/25/2007 |
Q: My speedo decided to quit working recently, although the cable is actually not all that old (maybe ...
A: Steve, The gearbox end of the inner cable was simply squashed to flatten it enough to grab the ...
|
| Ignition coils | 6/25/2007 |
Q: Jim I have a 1976 spitfire and I need to replace the coil it is leaking fluid. I went to a part ...
A: Kenneth, You'll be much better off sticking to the original setup, it'll make trouble shooting ...
|
| 1977 Spitfire Speedometer | 6/25/2007 |
Q: Jim, I am replacing my Smiths speedometer with an aftermarket speedo and was wondering if you ...
A: Mark, If you look at the speedometer face down near the bottom you'll see a 4 digit number. That's ...
|
| spitfire ignition | 6/24/2007 |
Q: I bought a '78 spitfire 1500 with no keys. I am trying to take the ignition cylinder out to have a ...
A: Jamie, It might be better to remove the entire lock assembly and take that to the locksmith. The ...
|
| 76 spitfire | 6/23/2007 |
Q: i bought my spitfire for $5400 4 yrs ago. it is in great shape. i was wondering what is it worth ...
A: Kitty, There are a lot of variables in figuring the price on a Spitfire. What options does the car ...
|
| Triumph Power Problems | 6/22/2007 |
Q: I own a 78 Triumph Spitfire 1500 that I've had for three years. I am an extremely novice mechanic. ...
A: Ryan, Now I'm curious... where can you still find non-ethanol enhanced gasoline? I thought it was ...
|
| 1975 Spitfire Timing Confusion... | 6/21/2007 |
Q: I'm trying to arrive at the correct timing specifications for my '75 Spitfire. In the Bentley ...
A: Jeff, It's really a bit of an iterative process... you adjust the timing then tweak the carbs then ...
|
| 1977 Spitfire Fuel Gauge replacement | 6/21/2007 |
Q: On my 1977 Spitfire I am wanting to replace the fuel gauge with an aftermarket gauge. To make sure ...
A: Mark, The stock sending unit should read from 20 ohms (full) to 200 ohms (empty). You can verify ...
|
| 1975 Spitfire Timing Confusion... | 6/20/2007 |
Q: I'm trying to arrive at the correct timing specifications for my '75 Spitfire. In the Bentley ...
A: Jeff, Keep in mind that the ignition settings are based on EVERYTHING else being within spec. Carb ...
|
| Steering problem | 6/20/2007 |
Q: I recently bought a 1976 1500 and after having it for about 3 weeks I brought it to get the oil ...
A: Zeb, I can't imagine offhand what they might have done, although let me toss out some ideas. First ...
|
| '77 triumph spitfire idle battery issue | 6/19/2007 |
Q: I was putting a new radio in my 77 1500 and went for a ride afterwards. I went in to a parking lot ...
A: Will, If the battery isn't charging, it's one of two things... the battery or the alternator. ...
|
| revving then stalling | 6/19/2007 |
Q: Jim, I have a '73 spit 1500 and recently when starting the car fully choked it turns over and revs ...
A: Bob, Next time, try popping open the fuel filler cap. If you get good gas flow then... it's the ...
|
| revving then stalling | 6/19/2007 |
Q: Jim, I have a '73 spit 1500 and recently when starting the car fully choked it turns over and revs ...
A: Bob, It sounds like you're not enough fuel to the carb. Quick test: Get a can of starting ether ...
|
| 1977 Spitfire Distributor and Timing | 6/18/2007 |
Q: I have a 1977 Spitfire that I bought used and in really great condition. Just a quick rundown. It ...
A: Mark, Keep in mind that during the '70s Triumph was constantly struggling to meet federal emissions ...
|
| Alternator Conversion | 6/18/2007 |
Q: I have a MK2 Spitfire. I want to convert for the generator to an alternator. Do you have any advise ...
A: Sorry, I guess if I'm going to plagerize someone else's tech link I need to include the whole thing. ...
|
| Alternator Conversion | 6/17/2007 |
Q: I have a MK2 Spitfire. I want to convert for the generator to an alternator. Do you have any advise ...
A: Phil, Here's a good set of directions I found while poking around.... Fitting the GM Alternator to ...
|
| headlights and diff mount bushes | 6/14/2007 |
Q: On 1972 spitfire mk4 This is what they are doing. I turn my headlight switch to headlight on ,and ...
A: Unfortunately I'm not near my repair manuals with the wiring diagrams so I can't give detailed ...
|
| rear hub removal. | 6/14/2007 |
Q: Jim, sorry to bother you again so soon but am backed up in a box again. I am trying to replace the ...
A: Lamar, Sorry to say it, you need to get your hands on the proper hub puller, it's much cheaper than ...
|
| breaks | 6/13/2007 |
Q: keep up the good work off helping out people and speading your knowlage! my question is how do ...
A: How about we use the term "brake" for the system and parts that stop the car? When they stop ...
|
| 1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500 | 6/13/2007 |
Q: I own a 1976 Triumph Spitfire 1500. I had the engine rebuilt and have slowly but surely, as $ ...
A: Tony, I believe the common name for the part you're looking for is the "service interval ...
|
| breaks | 6/12/2007 |
Q: keep up the good work off helping out people and speading your knowlage! my question is how do ...
A: Jack, Don't hate brakes.. they keep you from having worse breaks. Seriously, to remove the ...
|
| 1978 Spitfire automatic tranny | 6/11/2007 |
Q: I have a 1978 Triumph Spitfire that has a 1500 cc engine. My wife fell in love with this car but she ...
A: David, There's no "drop in" automatic transmission that I've heard of. There are companies making ...
|
| 70 Spit nut sizes | 6/11/2007 |
Q: a real strange question but very serious to understand. The Spit is a British car but my metric ...
A: Lamar, At the time that your Spitfire was produced, the "standard" hardware used in the UK was UNC ...
|
| Putting a J drive OD in a 1969 TR6 | 6/11/2007 |
Q: I have installed a J Drive OD Trans in my 69 TR6. It has a new Roadster factory wiring Harness. Is ...
A: Stephen, Not sure what you mean. Is the unit fully installed with driveshaft connected? Did you ...
|
| 1975 triump spitfire 1500 | 6/10/2007 |
Q: If i want to remove the emissions canister from my 75 spitfire 1500, how do I reroute the hoses? ...
A: Larry, I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish. The carbon cannister on the later Spitfires ...
|
| Spitfire 1500 lower on drivers side than on passenger side | 6/8/2007 |
Q: My spitfire is lower on the drivers side than on the passenger side. I have checked the distance of ...
A: Brendan, That's a common complaint with the Spitfire, especially the later cars with the "swing ...
|
| TR3 timing & advance curves | 6/6/2007 |
Q: Where can I find advance curves for 1959 TR3? Distributor has both centrifugal and vacuum advance ...
A: Jim, I'm a big fan of the Bentley manuals as being good resources for technical and repair work as ...
|
| Weber Carb Problem | 6/5/2007 |
Q: Our problem seems to be progressing and I was apparently way off base thinking it was the carb. ...
A: Dan, There's an electrical switch at the back end of the column lock. It's not unusual to have ...
|
| 79 spit tranny | 6/5/2007 |
Q: love your expert advice!My question is:I have a 70 1500 spit.Will the gears from a 74 spit tranny ...
A: Pam, Do you want to swap the actual guts of the transmissions, or swap transmissions as units? ...
|
| '72 Triumph Spitfire | 6/5/2007 |
Q: I just purchased a 72 Triumph Spitfire. The brakes went out as soon as I bought it. It had not been ...
A: Joel, There are two possible problems... air in system or the rear brake shoes are adjusted too far ...
|
| brake and clutch fluid change | 6/4/2007 |
Q: I love reading your tips on all experts everyday it has saved me so much time and money so far.. ...
A: Mark, Yes, as the hydraulic seals age they release bits of the seal material into the fluid. ...
|
| Coolant in #4 Cylinder | 6/4/2007 |
Q: Jim, I have a 1979 Spitfire that recently had a stuck #3 exhaust Valve. Removed the head and took ...
A: Scott, All I can think of is that the gasket might have a bad spot around one of the water ...
|
| 1978 Spitfire Rattling etc. | 6/4/2007 |
Q: ..I have a couple questions... Question #1: I know this is probably a broad question, but I was ...
A: Ethan, Let me see if I can cover all of this. And if there's anything you feel uncomfortable ...
|
| 74' Spitfire 1500 power improvement | 6/2/2007 |
Q: I have just purchased a 74' Spitfire 1500 (at least the badging on the outside says 1500). Car runs ...
A: Todd, First off... bolt on power kinda limits what you can do. Essentially you can either improve ...
|
| Spitfire Mk4 Coughing and Spluttering When Cold | 6/2/2007 |
Q: I've already had some electrical work done on her for other reasons but one of my remaining issues ...
A: Mike, First suggestion... find a better garage. When the car is cold it will not run at it's best, ...
|
| fluids what to use | 6/2/2007 |
Q: I have a question I just got a 1972 spitfire. that has been sitting for 16 years looking to change ...
A: Mark, Manual trans and differential. 90wt GL-4 (never GL-5) gear oil. Castrol Hypoy-C used to be ...
|
| Tr6 cutting out | 6/1/2007 |
Q: Hey Jim, I own a 76 triumph and it has been driving well until it has suddenly done this thing where ...
A: Ben, You're running the stock Stromberg carb setup? If so, have you checked the dashpot oil? They ...
|
| Tr6 cutting out | 6/1/2007 |
Q: Hey Jim, I own a 76 triumph and it has been driving well until it has suddenly done this thing where ...
A: Ben, Does it happen when you're starting to coast, or just upshifted? Have you pulled the ...
|
| Tr6 cutting out | 5/31/2007 |
Q: Hey Jim, I own a 76 triumph and it has been driving well until it has suddenly done this thing where ...
A: Ben, Does it seem to have the problem when you've been driving the same amount of time? Hard ...
|
| weber carb problem | 5/25/2007 |
Q: we have a 1978 1500 with a weber DVG carb. The car was stored about 1 and 1/2 years with half tank ...
A: Dan, Well, I was going to start off guessing that the car ran ok before it was parked... with the ...
|
| window to soft top seal | 5/24/2007 |
Q: Jim Thanks for the prompt response. I agree that a wet country has done an amazingly bad job of ...
A: John, My first Spitfire had been hit with a boat trailer, bending the soft top frame. With the ...
|
| '76 Spitfire diff noise | 5/24/2007 |
Q: We have a '76 Spitfire at the shop that has a clicking noise in the rear of the car when cruising, ...
A: Sean, Where is your shop located? Which way does it make noise? Right or left? Or don't you ...
|
| window to soft top seal | 5/23/2007 |
Q: Jim I skimmed through your previous answers listing and can't find one that deals with my question ...
A: John, What's a soft top? Just kidding.. too many years of autocrossing the dedicated race car.... ...
|
| tr-6 starting | 5/23/2007 |
Q: My 76 tr-6 starts right up when cold, but refuses to start when warmed up. It readily starts by push ...
A: Mark, Have you taken a look at the spark plugs? Sooty black or clean white? When you try to start ...
|
| Gt6 Gearbox | 5/22/2007 |
Q: i have a 1973 Triumph GT6 which i have been told is fitted with an american box (whether or not this ...
A: Jamie, I have no idea what an "american box" is, all the GT6s had the same gearbox regardless of ...
|
| 1976 Spitfire | 5/19/2007 |
Q: Threequestions: 1. What is your recommendation for a service manual for 1976 Triumph Spitfire. I ...
A: Rex, In my opinion the Robert Bentley manual for the Spitfire is the best resource for the car. It ...
|
| triumph speed | 5/19/2007 |
Q: I have a Triumph 1500. On the Highway, I rarely do 65mph due to the high revs of the car. Is there a ...
A: Benjamin, How much do you want to spend? There are two options with the stock drivetrain. Either ...
|
| Spitfire Mk 4 Horn and Wiper Problem | 5/18/2007 |
Q: Both the horn and wipers were fine, then the horn failed and then shortly after the wipers failed. ...
A: Mike, The fuse box is on the drivers side (LHD cars) on the firewall above the footwell. It's got ...
|
| '79 Spitfire Not starting | 5/18/2007 |
Q: I have a '79 Spitfire 1500 that is suddenly not starting. The battery turns it over but nothing is ...
A: Bill, Well, you need three basic things to get the car running: Fuel Air Fire Most problems are ...
|
| triumph 1973 spitfire 1500 backfire | 5/17/2007 |
Q: i just purchased this car it was running fine at purchase and now it is sputtering and backfiring ...
A: Andy, It's either ignition or fuel. Go for the basics first. Ignition: Verify all 4 cylinders are ...
|
| Runawy Spitfire | 5/17/2007 |
Q: My idle has climbed in 2 days from 900 RPM to now its at an unbearable 3500 RPM – its like riding a ...
A: Chris, Now you've got me wishing I had either my manuals or a spare carb sitting here at work.... ...
|
| Fuel flow from tank stops | 5/17/2007 |
Q: I have a bizzare problem in which the gas stops flowing from the fuel tank suddenly. I have already ...
A: I run my Spitfires in the Texas summer and haven't had fuel flow stop from vapor lock. I have had ...
|
| Runawy Spitfire | 5/16/2007 |
Q: My idle has climbed in 2 days from 900 RPM to now its at an unbearable 3500 RPM – its like riding a ...
A: Yes, that's the proper process for adjusting mixture. One word of caution, there's a special tool ...
|
| weber carb/spit 1500-uphill run problem | 5/16/2007 |
Q: Jim, Both you and Howard have been very helpful. Thank you. Problem: Having chased a lean condition, ...
A: Brian, Are you sure the ignition timing is correct? And you've verified the float level in the ...
|
| Fuel flow from tank stops | 5/16/2007 |
Q: I have a bizzare problem in which the gas stops flowing from the fuel tank suddenly. I have already ...
A: Bob, It sounds like you still have some junk in the system. When I bought my '73 1500 I installed ...
|
| Sudden Ignition Failure | 5/16/2007 |
Q: I own a 1979 US model spitfire 1500. I use it as a daily driver here in Seattle. A couple of weeks ...
A: Joshua, Let me give you some basic ignition theory then we'll dive into your system. The coil in a ...
|
| Runawy Spitfire | 5/15/2007 |
Q: My idle has climbed in 2 days from 900 RPM to now its at an unbearable 3500 RPM – its like riding a ...
A: Chris, If you're having trouble getting the needle adjusted properly it's possible to swap in a new ...
|
| Triumph Spitfire clutch | 5/15/2007 |
Q: I have a 1980 Spitfire that the clutch was slipping on. I replaced the clutch and pressure plate ...
A: Keith, Yes, having the clutch disc in backwards will make it difficult/impossible to release the ...
|
| Fuel flow from tank stops | 5/15/2007 |
Q: I have a bizzare problem in which the gas stops flowing from the fuel tank suddenly. I have already ...
A: Bob, Refresh my memory, what year car are you working on? If it's an "emissions" version then the ...
|
| Fuel flow from tank stops | 5/14/2007 |
Q: I have a bizzare problem in which the gas stops flowing from the fuel tank suddenly. I have already ...
A: Bob, What year Spitfire? Did you clean the fuel lines all the way back? Are you still running the ...
|
| shifting problems with a 1976 spitfire 1500 (no overdrive) | 5/12/2007 |
Q: I recently went to put my 1976 triumph 1500 in reverse and something has happened and the shifting ...
A: Tom, Actually there is a short linkage on top of the trans. If you remove the trans cover you'll ...
|
| 76 Spitfire | 5/12/2007 |
Q: I'd like your recommendation on the best oil (make & grade) & gas (octane) for a 76 Spitfire.
A: Oil? Castrol GTX of course! Grade depends a bit on engine condition and your local temperatures. ...
|
| Runawy Spitfire | 5/11/2007 |
Q: My idle has climbed in 2 days from 900 RPM to now its at an unbearable 3500 RPM – its like riding a ...
A: Chris, What condition are the plugs in? Bright white insulators or sooty black? Typically an ...
|
| Fluxuating loss of power at 80-100km | 5/10/2007 |
Q: I have a 77 spit. New gas tank, new/rebuilt SU carb, new gas filters, new mech pump, fuel lines away ...
A: Nelson, Which SU? One of the HS? Or an HIF? If it's an HS, it's easy to check the fuel level, ...
|
| Spitfire 1500 electrical issue | 5/9/2007 |
Q: Jim, I just acquired a 1976 spitfire. It has not run for five years. I have replaced the battery ...
A: Andy, First off, make sure you've got some good tools. A decent multimeter/voltmeter is a must. ...
|
| 75 Spitfire | 5/9/2007 |
Q: The square O-rings in the pressure differential switch actuator (the witch turns on the break light ...
A: Thomas, There are several options. First off, I did a quick check of vendors and Rimmer Bros in ...
|
| engine quits to idle | 5/9/2007 |
Q: Everytime I rev the engine to 2000-3000 rpm, it almost stalls out and goes back to idle. This ...
A: John, It sounds kind of like a fuel problem, although since it continues to idle then the car is ...
|
| Ballpark cost for Spitfire 1500,'76 | 5/8/2007 |
Q: I have a 1976 Spitfire that I parked 15 years ago. It has been covered and on jacks in a garage. ...
A: Gary, There are too many variables involved. First off, what shape was the car in when it was put ...
|
| 1967 Triumph Herald 1200 saloon pinion tail bearing removal | 5/8/2007 |
Q: Can you tell me how to remove the pinion tail bearing in the Herald 1200. I have removed the shaft ...
A: Dominick, In order to do the job properly it's necessary to remove the ring carrier from the ...
|
| Replaced all ignition - still no spark!! | 4/26/2007 |
Q: Really hope you can help me, I'm utterly, utterly dejected here! I'm having huge problems trying to ...
A: Ewan, You neglect to mention whether the car is still fitted with the factory Lucas ignition system ...
|
| Idle adjust for 80 spitfire | 4/26/2007 |
Q: I have a totally stock 1980 spitfire and having trouble with the idle settings. It has the auto ...
A: Edward, You should have the water choke, if it's original for the 1980. Correct? It's a bit ...
|
| Clutch | 4/24/2007 |
Q: Jim, Just rebult my 76 Spit. engine. Got a new clutch before putting the engine back in. Working ...
A: Roy, There's a push rod that connects the brake pedal to the clutch master. It's not uncommon for ...
|
| high oil pressure | 4/24/2007 |
Q: My Spitfire's oil light came on the other day. I installed an oil pressure gauge so that I could ...
A: Brian, The main drawback to slightly higher oil pressure is that it will rob some engine power in ...
|
| high oil pressure | 4/23/2007 |
Q: My Spitfire's oil light came on the other day. I installed an oil pressure gauge so that I could ...
A: Brian, Was the runnning obersvation taken on the road? Or just in the garage? 65 is still on the ...
|
| Steering | 4/23/2007 |
Q: Jim: You have helped me a lot with my 65 Spitfire and I have two more questions for you. First, ...
A: Jeff, You might check/bleed the clutch system, if you're not fully disengaging the clutch that ...
|
| fan belt | 4/22/2007 |
Q: what is the recommended replacement belt for a '74 1500
A: Dennis, A quick peek found one supplier (Quinton Hazel) lists the fan belt as a "QBA-1088". It's ...
|
| Spitfire mk3 will not start | 4/22/2007 |
Q: Similar to the question from Gavin. My 1964 mk3 spit has been stood some considerable time and when ...
A: Paul, Couple of thoughts... I had a similar problem with my '73 1500 in that it'd start ok, rev up ...
|
| Spitfire Speedo Pinion | 4/21/2007 |
Q: Jim, Do you know where I can find a NKC49 - 18 tooth speedo pinion that won't cost a fortune? I ...
A: Mick, Have you tried any of the US suppliers? The NKC49 was used on the US spec J-type overdrives ...
|
| Metallic rattle at 3400 rpm | 4/21/2007 |
Q: I have a 1980 Spitfire (no overdrive) that runs and shifts well. Recently it has developed a ...
A: Corey, It could be just about anything that's loose mechanically.... although when you're driving ...
|
| triumph spitfire clutch | 4/18/2007 |
Q: Anyway the last one i bought is a 1980 & its all running well apart from the clutch pedal has gone ...
A: Vince, It's likely one of three things: 1) Clutch slave is frozen in the full out position 2) ...
|
| Spitfire Engine & Box | 4/17/2007 |
Q: Could you tell me if its possible to fit a 1980 spitfire 1500cc Engine & box into a 1974 GT6? ...
A: Jamie. Anything is possible, although it might be tough to fit a Spitfire engine into a 1974 GT6, ...
|
| Spitfire 1500 1977 | 4/17/2007 |
Q: i am in the process in restoring my 1977 spitfire. my question is: is there anything especial about ...
A: George, Well, how many other 30 year old cars do you see around these days? ;) The Triumph ...
|
| GT6 Identity Plate | 4/16/2007 |
Q: Im restoring a Triumph GT6 and am just about to finish it and ive realised that ive lost the ...
A: Jamie, The only way I know of properly documenting your original commission plate is to get a BMIHT ...
|
| Steering | 4/16/2007 |
Q: Jim: You have helped me a lot with my 65 Spitfire and I have two more questions for you. First, ...
A: Jeff, 1) Steering column "free play". There are a couple of places to check. The front end of ...
|
| spitfire rear hub seals |
