Chris Bracey

Hi. What was the wood veneer used on the 1979 spitfire? Are there markings on the rear of the side panels for fitting gauges . I think i can feel circles in the steel?

Ah. Thanks i will look if i clean the float chambers and see if there is a washer under the float valve .

Hi. Apparantley the head is an unleaded conversion so there might be a risk the original oilway is blocked as the external feed was fitted at the same time. Where is the std oilway situated? I will do the test for oil pooling once the external feed is blocked off. Regds chris

Thanks all. I did actually like russett brown and would restore it that colour but my wife likes the red that it is currently sprayed. Wadham stringer never did resolve the flooding / fuel supply issue that occurred when in traffic. Certainly doesnt do it now. Some suggested the fuel pump might have been over pressuring. I know it killed the pleasure of a first new car...... but still couldnt resist buying it back 40 years on ! I have had mk1 spitfires, gt6, and 2 x tr4as before 1979 but never encountered the same problem so was not impressed . I just wondered if it had been a common problem. Thanks all.

No i have tracked the car and bought it from the previos owner. It might have been a US site regarding the dizzy. I know the dealer could not stop the car breaking down and blamed it on the carbs and replaced float valves but in traffic it just stopped and seemed to flood its why i sold it in the end. i drove it down from liverpool with no problems so wondered if the carbs were the original ones, thats all.

Hi again. Two questions .1. When i first bought this spitfire 1500 in 1979 i remember it suffered from vapourisation in the carbs and often broke down it now has su carbs but i thought it had different units fitted but i would like to know what caused the problem? 2. The car has now has a conventional points distributor but i have read it should have an electronic unit? I quitr like the points unit but would like fo get back to original...... but not its original russet brown ! Thanks

Oh thank you very clear. Glad you all said what you did when i bought the car new i didnt remember it being there.

Hi last two questions. Was this an aftermarket fitting and how would i know if there are rollers fitted. Looks bog std to me !

Now this might seem a daft question. Would its presence cause an oil presuure gauge to read low if it is not removed. Was it an after market product or did triumph fit it?

Hi. What is the purpose of this feed and will it affect the reading of an oil pressure gauge if i add an additional t piece from the adapter? Do 1500 spitfire engines suffer oild suppliy problems to the tappets? Thanks

Hi temp was just below normal.

Dick. I am near alresford but wont be doing it for a while. Thank you. Is it easy to get at engine from side to avoid removing the bonnet. Strangle the oil pressure was 50 at 1200 rpm. Sounds ok on tickover but there is a deep rumble at start up and if you rev it its harsh .

John. Can you change the thrust bearing from under the car?

I think my main bearings are worn. There is a deep rumble on start up and engine seems harsh on revving. Engine does not burn oil . I intend to fit an oil pressure gauge to assess the oil pressure but will mains cause low oil pressure. Thank you .

On the spitfire 1500 what is the best place to hold the timing light. Is a zenon light a better bet as unlike my midget i really cannot get very close the the pulley.? I will try dimming the light .

Footnote. Its a 1979 spitfire 1500 .

Hi. I have tried to check the ignition timing but its difficult to get my old timing light near the marks because of the fan and other fittings. Any suggestions or do i just need zenon timing light! Chris

Thank you all. Will play in the next week

Good evening. I have acquired a compression tester. Can i have advice on its use and what the target compression should be for a 1979 spitfire 1500. Thank you

Pete, thanks

What is the temp range for a summer thermostat?

Thank you every one i will buy a new grease gun that i can use with oil. Btw my tyres are standard size so whats the concensus on tyre pressures?

Hi. My spitfire 1 500 seems heavy at low speed and much heavier than my midget that uses similar sized wheel. Its a long time since i had a spitfire so i am wondering if it could be dried up trunnions. I intend to jack it up and test but if the trunnions have been greased as opposed to oiled could i get away with grease until winter when i can clean them out. PS. I know my tr4a was heavy at lowspeed but i can't recall tne spit being the same. Btw i have just bought it back and had purchased it new in 1979 so hence all the questions i keep asking on the forum. Thank you.

Hi. In last few days my spitfire 1500 has been running near the 3/4 marker so not over heating but definately warm. Looks like the previous owner used just water so will give it a flush and new antifreeze but does the number plate position reduce airflow ? I see most 1500/mk4s with same number plate position so assume it doesnt.

Are there any good spitfire savvy body shops or mechanics in mid hants anyone can recommend ?