[Hello]

I’d join, but can’t afford the entry fee ?

[Only me!]

1 hour ago, clive said:

Just a thought. Other day spoke to a triumph owner. One of his cars es similar. Herald, but same issue. Fitted another engine complete with inlet/exhaust manifold. That was fine.

Checked the one that refused to start, as it had come to him as a good engine from a reliable source. Then he noticed the stainless 4 branch manifold was had against the engine at sump level. Which meant that the manifold studs would tighten up, but there was still a small gap at the bottom of the manifold flanges. Hence sucking air in, and no firing....

Will the car fire on easy start? Or if you fancy a other set of eyes for an hour or two, just let me know. 

Thanks Clive - it had occurred to me that the inlet might not be properly seated - when Pete (?) looked at it a few years back he said that there wasn’t much “suck” through the carbs. I do have a cast manifold in a box somewhere - might throw that on and try it when I next have time.

PS - nope - not even with tonnes of it - it did fire loosely once, but for about five seconds.

PPS - thanks for the offer, I know you have stacks on, but might take you up on it one day.

PPPS - if it turns out to be the stainless manifold, I’ll blame the guy that sold it to me ?

[Only me!]

I did check that the timing mark is correct -  when the head was off I was able to check the piston was at TDC when the mark was in line, and I’ve rechecked since as described.

the compressions were taken with throttle fully open - and once with the carbs removed altogether - I’m thinking now that it’s either :

head work not done properly (seems unlikely as it was a reputable place)

or rings knackered.

 

[Only me!]

14 hours ago, JohnD said:

welcome back, npanne? Can we help?   Can't provide funding or compliant partners, but inspiration and ideas?

You car looks mint from the A-post back, what's the problem?

John

Thanks John,

The car’s now bad - it’s certainly not mint, but it’s solid and presentable from a distance - the bonnet is better than it looks, and will get a respray to match the rest of the car once there’s a chance of it running.

The problem(s) is mechanical. I stripped out the 1300 lump and dropped in a GT6 engine and box (plus all the other bits involved), but it just won’t fire. 

Over time I’ve been worked through and checked or replaced nearly everything except the really expensive option (which is pulling the engine for a full rebuild).

in sequence:

Firing order and timing checked (about a hundred times).

Spark checked - was a little weak so worked through and replaced / rebuilt everything in the ignition system - now that’s okay.

Fuel supply was mediocre so lines, pump and filter replaced and carbs rebuilt.

It was cranking a little slowly so new battery and high-torque starter fitted.

Compression checked - it’s a little low, but over 100 on each cylinder, so should be enough to start - the head was rebuilt with new valves / seats etc but no change, so it’s looking like rings might be either broken or sticky.

I’ve got to the point where I’m admitting that it’s beyond me - both in terms of expertise and patience, so the plan is to either find a running engine that I can drop in complete or just pay someone to take this one and rebuild it and bench test it to prove that it works.

Everything else mechanical has been changed - suspension, brakes, drivetrain, cooling system - the works, so hopefully one day I’ll get the benefit of all that ?

In the mean time I keep an interest in all things Triumph.

[Only me!]

Hi all.

Back here after a few years away, mostly because progress with my car has been slow (read stopped).

one day I’ll sort the ruddy thing out, but for now it’s got me beaten all ends up so it’s resting until I can find the funds to send it to a professional with more patience than I have ?