| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
MartinX
Starting Member
United Kingdom
6 Posts |
 Posted - 28/09/2010 : 21:28:02
|
This is it – getting my Stag back on the road.
First a little bit about her (a “she” when she was behaving, an “it” at any other time).
Bought her on eBay, bit of an impulse, but always had a soft spot for Triumph’s – had a Spitfire when we first got married in 1985 – a 1971 MKIV – only 14 years old, paid £525 for it and it was falling apart.
So picked this up for £3001 (why 3001? Well it was an unseen eBay spur of the moment thing) in February 2006, flew to Gatwick and drove her the 225 miles home – fantastic.
She's white, "M" reg, auto, and pretty much original as far as I can make out, although there are a couple of bits that seem to be "aftermarket", think an oil cooler has been fitted, and electronic ignition, and an alarm.
Drove her virtually daily throughout the spring, and enjoyed some fantastic top down weather.
Then in July 2006 it was MOT time, and it failed – not a massive list – excessive rust being the show-stopper, then various changes happened in my life and totally lost interest. Did little to it between then and now, except took it to a "specialist" who said he didn’t do “patch and paint” and there was too much work involved – so home it came – then had a little flurry about 3 years ago when I went at it with an angle grinder – not in rage, but in desperation, so this is how my story starts.
The MOT failure sheet read something like this...
• Excessive rust (wings & wheel arches being cited).
• Frayed front passenger seatbelt.
• Misaligned windscreen washer.
• NS indicator too slow.
• Smell of fuel in boot.
• Handbrake
• Headlamp operation intermittent.
Although to be honest, lost the sheet he gave me.
So have now started to tackle the jobs necessary to get in road legal again.
MXW |
|
|
MartinX
Starting Member
United Kingdom
6 Posts |
Posted - 30/09/2010 : 22:15:47
|
So, during March 2010, decided that if the engine runs, then I’ll get the feeling that I’m halfway there with little effort.
The engine had not run for 2-years+, fitted a new battery, which involves dropping the power steering power pack to gain access – a real pain in the ass job. The earth lead connecting the engine to the bodywork had no nut on the engine end, can only guess at how poor that connection has been in the past.
Made sure oil level was ok, filled up to max with Castrol GTX – didn’t realise quality oil was so expensive – and this project is on a tight budget – well, to be completely accurate I have no available funds to spend on it.
Re-fuelled with 2 gallons super unleaded + some Redex octane booster.
Engine turned over, but no response.
Disconnected fuel line at fuel filter under bonnet, and doesn’t appear to be any fuel delivered.
The fuel pump is in the boot, there is a “clunk” occasionally when the ignition is energised, but nothing more.
I assumed the pump is seized, or there’s a blockage in the fuel line. Had checked I have 12v at the terminal feeding the pump, but only after I’d played with the inertia switch under the bonnet. All appeared ok electrically.
Then left her alone for a week - too much prodding and poking can't be good.
Following weekend disconnected the fuel line at the filter, and at the other end at the fuel pump, then, ingeniously (I thought so anyway) connected a blown up balloon at the fuel filter end, and it deflated, so that lines clear.
Then decided to try the pump again, and a slow phut phut from the fuel pump with the ignition on.
Reconnected the line at the fuel pump, and tie-wrapped the balloon on the outlet of the fuel filter, and, it inflated with the ignition on. Took balloon off and tried again, and, petrol comes out – result! Re-connected all lines and tried to turn it over, after 5 seconds – she started – firing on all 8!
Left her running for 5 mins and then went back to it – couldn’t stay in the garage because of the fumes. Put choke in and gave her a rev, but horror, fuel leak in the engine bay after the fuel filter. Just as well I went back when I did, and had left the bonnet up.
If you look carefully you can see the fuel....
Wow, how I love that sound........
MXW |
Edited by - MartinX on 30/09/2010 22:24:52 |
 |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Getting my '74 back on the road after 6 years
