Vitesse Mk2 turns over a long time before starting?

[ahebron]

A solution looking for a problem.
I have fitted the fuel cut of solenoid for lpg/petrol conversions to a few cars to act as a petrol valve. Power on fuel flows power off it doesnt and they have a manual screw if it fails.
Fitted before the pump it will ensure the pump stays primed with fuel when car is not being used
Last one was on a vintage car that sat for a long time and I controlled it with an oil pressure switch to ensure then engine had oil pressure before starting. It had a good starter motor and battery😉

[bfashbolt]

 

By the way Iain, glad you got your carb issue sorted, sounds like your rebuild also identified issues! Also your car looks good on minilites, I got some for mine and don't they make a difference. The guys at the last meet before lock down were very complimentary! Period and stylish was the general opinion!!

 

Hi Iain, I supposed a lot of people have had some more time with their classics lately, my mechanic chap had also bought a Vitesse with as sunroof so I'm starting to get tempted by that too!!

Implication is that a previous owner of my Vitesse returned the carbs but didn't reassemble very well, hence the importance of knowing where you have to stop. I do envy people who can rebuild engines and carbs etc.

 

Hi all you frustrated lockdown classic Triumph owners! A piece of good news to come out of lockdown, my classic car mechanic guy (I know my limits) had my Vitesse during lockdown, long story short he was going to look at door/body alignment and the starting issue and the disappearing clutch pressure. While he had my Vitesse he stripped the carbs and rebuilt them, now it starts properly first time. He says there were loose parts internally following an earlier rebuild, tells me he could see screwdriver scratches on internal surfaces. So many things it could have been but good old diligence wins the day! Clutch now sorted, body alignment issues identified - chance of a new coated chassis.

He's now looking for an overdrive gearbox for me to completely enhance my post lockdown driving experience!

Thanks for all your help guys, happy post-lockdown Triumph driving!!

 

 

By the wayByThanks guys for the great advice and reassurances! You really are a fab bunch!! I feel a lot better about this now, I'll try a fuel filter and I'll check the pump lever for the position before I prime and I won't worry about turning over until it starts, no throttle until it fires, check the fuel pipes and give it enough choke!

 

Hi again all, update time! Well, after a dead battery (replaced) a jammed knackered starter (replaced) and a visit from my local mobile classic car specialist (not cheap but we'll worth it for his 50 years plus experience!) we have a still slow to start but now running Vitesse!! The chap who got me going again (George Reid) identified a timing error of 10 degrees and an issue with the choke block on the Stromberg's - IainT thread has been helpful, wondering now if I have a mis-assembled choke block? Also he set screw to winter setting☺ 

So with the new battery, working starter instead of a solenoid 'click', adjusted timing, confirmed fuel supply, winter choke setting, plus a new coil for good measure, we have a slightly reluctant to start but running Vitesse! The mobile classics guy says he might be able to get a choke block, said he might have one in his parts shed, but I will mention to him the point made by IainT about choke block assembly.

Thanks all

Barry

Thanks Iain, went into classic car ownership quite suddenly but with no illusions about the reality of keeping complex 50 year old machinery running! If any other members out there have any choke block advice or know where to get the parts it would be much appreciated. The mobile classic car guy said he would continue looking for a choke block - now he's worked on it I think he's adopted the carbs as his responsibility! He'll still charge me though😉

Thanks Pete, I'll check them out!

 

By the way, what is the TSSC opinion on ballasted coils? I understand they help with cold starting issue? 

[dougbgt6]

Barry,

Yes ballasted systems were introduced to help with cold starting. It’s surprising how much power batteries loose below zero.

However, they were put on our cars 50 years ago, an era with colder winters and expensive batteries that weren’t as good as now. 

Some replace the ballasted coil and resistor with standard, because of perceived problems with electronic ignition, but really it’s not worth the outlay. I have electronic on my ballasted system, no problem.

Doug

[bfashbolt]

Hi Doug,

I've fitted a new Lucas gold coil now and the work on the carbs has resulted in greatly improved starting. You are right about batteries, they're much better now, fitted a slightly larger capacity battery to my Vitesse and it does really well. I'm going to leave the engine now, focus on finding my wish list: overdrive gearbox, sunroof and possibly a powder coated chassis!

 

 

 

Hi Iain, I supposed a lot of people have had some more time with their classics lately, my mechanic chap had also bought a Vitesse with as sunroof so I'm starting to get tempted by that too!!

Implication is that a previous owner of my Vitesse returned the carbs but didn't reassemble very well, hence the importance of knowing where you have to stop. I do envy people who can rebuild engines and carbs etc.

 

Hi all you frustrated lockdown classic Triumph owners! A piece of good news to come out of lockdown, my classic car mechanic guy (I know my limits) had my Vitesse during lockdown, long story short he was going to look at door/body alignment and the starting issue and the disappearing clutch pressure. While he had my Vitesse he stripped the carbs and rebuilt them, now it starts properly first time. He says there were loose parts internally following an earlier rebuild, tells me he could see screwdriver scratches on internal surfaces. So many things it could have been but good old diligence wins the day! Clutch now sorted, body alignment issues identified - chance of a new coated chassis.

He's now looking for an overdrive gearbox for me to completely enhance my post lockdown driving experience!

Thanks for all your help guys, happy post-lockdown Triumph driving!!

 

 

By the wayByThanks guys for the great advice and reassurances! You really are a fab bunch!! I feel a lot better about this now, I'll try a fuel filter and I'll check the pump lever for the position before I prime and I won't worry about turning over until it starts, no throttle until it fires, check the fuel pipes and give it enough choke!

 

Hi again all, update time! Well, after a dead battery (replaced) a jammed knackered starter (replaced) and a visit from my local mobile classic car specialist (not cheap but we'll worth it for his 50 years plus experience!) we have a still slow to start but now running Vitesse!! The chap who got me going again (George Reid) identified a timing error of 10 degrees and an issue with the choke block on the Stromberg's - IainT thread has been helpful, wondering now if I have a mis-assembled choke block? Also he set screw to winter setting☺ 

So with the new battery, working starter instead of a solenoid 'click', adjusted timing, confirmed fuel supply, winter choke setting, plus a new coil for good measure, we have a slightly reluctant to start but running Vitesse! The mobile classics guy says he might be able to get a choke block, said he might have one in his parts shed, but I will mention to him the point made by IainT about choke block assembly.

Thanks all

Barry

Thanks Iain, went into classic car ownership quite suddenly but with no illusions about the reality of keeping complex 50 year old machinery running! If any other members out there have any choke block advice or know where to get the parts it would be much appreciated. The mobile classic car guy said he would continue looking for a choke block - now he's worked on it I think he's adopted the carbs as his responsibility! He'll still charge me though😉

Thanks Pete, I'll check them out!

 

By the way, what is the TSSC opinion on ballasted coils? I understand they help with cold starting issue? 

[Pete Lewis]

having has a fold back roof( mine was britax) its was pretty useless and without a front edge spoiler just gives you a lot of buffeting and wing noise 

i was often  4 up and rear passengers end up with vertical hair do's and expressions of being in a G force centrifuge   so in the main it stayed  Shut !!!

I would suggest you find a local car and test drive with the roof open see if its what you really want

Pete

 

[bfashbolt]

Good point well masde Pete, I think I'll stick with the overdrive and the powder coated chassis wishlist then!

 

Hi Doug,

I've fitted a new Lucas gold coil now and the work on the carbs has resulted in greatly improved starting. You are right about batteries, they're much better now, fitted a slightly larger capacity battery to my Vitesse and it does really well. I'm going to leave the engine now, focus on finding my wish list: overdrive gearbox, sunroof and possibly a powder coated chassis!

 

 

 

Hi Iain, I supposed a lot of people have had some more time with their classics lately, my mechanic chap had also bought a Vitesse with as sunroof so I'm starting to get tempted by that too!!

Implication is that a previous owner of my Vitesse returned the carbs but didn't reassemble very well, hence the importance of knowing where you have to stop. I do envy people who can rebuild engines and carbs etc.

 

Hi all you frustrated lockdown classic Triumph owners! A piece of good news to come out of lockdown, my classic car mechanic guy (I know my limits) had my Vitesse during lockdown, long story short he was going to look at door/body alignment and the starting issue and the disappearing clutch pressure. While he had my Vitesse he stripped the carbs and rebuilt them, now it starts properly first time. He says there were loose parts internally following an earlier rebuild, tells me he could see screwdriver scratches on internal surfaces. So many things it could have been but good old diligence wins the day! Clutch now sorted, body alignment issues identified - chance of a new coated chassis.

He's now looking for an overdrive gearbox for me to completely enhance my post lockdown driving experience!

Thanks for all your help guys, happy post-lockdown Triumph driving!!

 

 

By the wayByThanks guys for the great advice and reassurances! You really are a fab bunch!! I feel a lot better about this now, I'll try a fuel filter and I'll check the pump lever for the position before I prime and I won't worry about turning over until it starts, no throttle until it fires, check the fuel pipes and give it enough choke!

 

Hi again all, update time! Well, after a dead battery (replaced) a jammed knackered starter (replaced) and a visit from my local mobile classic car specialist (not cheap but we'll worth it for his 50 years plus experience!) we have a still slow to start but now running Vitesse!! The chap who got me going again (George Reid) identified a timing error of 10 degrees and an issue with the choke block on the Stromberg's - IainT thread has been helpful, wondering now if I have a mis-assembled choke block? Also he set screw to winter setting☺ 

So with the new battery, working starter instead of a solenoid 'click', adjusted timing, confirmed fuel supply, winter choke setting, plus a new coil for good measure, we have a slightly reluctant to start but running Vitesse! The mobile classics guy says he might be able to get a choke block, said he might have one in his parts shed, but I will mention to him the point made by IainT about choke block assembly.

Thanks all

Barry

Thanks Iain, went into classic car ownership quite suddenly but with no illusions about the reality of keeping complex 50 year old machinery running! If any other members out there have any choke block advice or know where to get the parts it would be much appreciated. The mobile classic car guy said he would continue looking for a choke block - now he's worked on it I think he's adopted the carbs as his responsibility! He'll still charge me though😉

Thanks Pete, I'll check them out!

 

By the way, what is the TSSC opinion on ballasted coils? I understand they help with cold starting issue? 

[Pete Lewis]

powder coat ....good if it says adhered but if it starts to lift or crack the rust rockets  underneath ..it goes barmy

galvanised is a better option but finding one  ?????? 

Pete

 

[bfashbolt]

 

Rapid learning again! Galvanised is best then? Well, it's the long game I'm playing here, my chassis is OK, not the best but can long way from the worst. So I can wait. Thanks again, that's 2 from my wishlist amended, any thoughts on the overdrive gearbox?

Good point well masde Pete, I think I'll stick with the overdrive and the powder coated chassis wishlist then!

 

Hi Doug,

I've fitted a new Lucas gold coil now and the work on the carbs has resulted in greatly improved starting. You are right about batteries, they're much better now, fitted a slightly larger capacity battery to my Vitesse and it does really well. I'm going to leave the engine now, focus on finding my wish list: overdrive gearbox, sunroof and possibly a powder coated chassis!

 

 

 

Hi Iain, I supposed a lot of people have had some more time with their classics lately, my mechanic chap had also bought a Vitesse with as sunroof so I'm starting to get tempted by that too!!

Implication is that a previous owner of my Vitesse returned the carbs but didn't reassemble very well, hence the importance of knowing where you have to stop. I do envy people who can rebuild engines and carbs etc.

 

Hi all you frustrated lockdown classic Triumph owners! A piece of good news to come out of lockdown, my classic car mechanic guy (I know my limits) had my Vitesse during lockdown, long story short he was going to look at door/body alignment and the starting issue and the disappearing clutch pressure. While he had my Vitesse he stripped the carbs and rebuilt them, now it starts properly first time. He says there were loose parts internally following an earlier rebuild, tells me he could see screwdriver scratches on internal surfaces. So many things it could have been but good old diligence wins the day! Clutch now sorted, body alignment issues identified - chance of a new coated chassis.

He's now looking for an overdrive gearbox for me to completely enhance my post lockdown driving experience!

Thanks for all your help guys, happy post-lockdown Triumph driving!!

 

 

By the wayByThanks guys for the great advice and reassurances! You really are a fab bunch!! I feel a lot better about this now, I'll try a fuel filter and I'll check the pump lever for the position before I prime and I won't worry about turning over until it starts, no throttle until it fires, check the fuel pipes and give it enough choke!

 

Hi again all, update time! Well, after a dead battery (replaced) a jammed knackered starter (replaced) and a visit from my local mobile classic car specialist (not cheap but we'll worth it for his 50 years plus experience!) we have a still slow to start but now running Vitesse!! The chap who got me going again (George Reid) identified a timing error of 10 degrees and an issue with the choke block on the Stromberg's - IainT thread has been helpful, wondering now if I have a mis-assembled choke block? Also he set screw to winter setting☺ 

So with the new battery, working starter instead of a solenoid 'click', adjusted timing, confirmed fuel supply, winter choke setting, plus a new coil for good measure, we have a slightly reluctant to start but running Vitesse! The mobile classics guy says he might be able to get a choke block, said he might have one in his parts shed, but I will mention to him the point made by IainT about choke block assembly.

Thanks all

Barry

Thanks Iain, went into classic car ownership quite suddenly but with no illusions about the reality of keeping complex 50 year old machinery running! If any other members out there have any choke block advice or know where to get the parts it would be much appreciated. The mobile classic car guy said he would continue looking for a choke block - now he's worked on it I think he's adopted the carbs as his responsibility! He'll still charge me though😉

Thanks Pete, I'll check them out!

 

By the way, what is the TSSC opinion on ballasted coils? I understand they help with cold starting issue? 

[Pete Lewis]

 

there will be lots of ideas about best chassis and protection to use

Overdrive is a good idea. finding a good gearbox is the next problem 

all are getting a bit old and worn there is not much core around for any decent rebuilds you can convert your existing but needs new mainshaft and remote front shaft and cam for the inhibitor switch, plus the mounts and electrics and propshaft

if you dont want complications you need a Dtype Overdrive  for  a  3 rail gearbox 

 

[Iain T]

If you have deep pockets you could go for a Ford type 9 5-speed gearbox conversion. Parts etc readily available try BGH for the gearbox (best type 9 specialists) and Canley sell the conversion kit. Make sure you get the 2.8 box as the ratios almost match the Triumph box. Works very well in my car but the overdrive box I had in a TR3a was better. You could just flick the od switch with your little finger and overtaking was easy. 

Iain 

 

Iain 

[bfashbolt]

I'm on the hunt, my classic mechanic guy knows of a chassis with an overdrive gearbox! Possiblyt wo birds one stone?

Rapid learning again! Galvanised is best then? Well, it's the long game I'm playing here, my chassis is OK, not the best but can long way from the worst. So I can wait. Thanks again, that's 2 from my wishlist amended, any thoughts on the overdrive gearbox?

Good point well masde Pete, I think I'll stick with the overdrive and the powder coated chassis wishlist then!

 

Hi Doug,

I've fitted a new Lucas gold coil now and the work on the carbs has resulted in greatly improved starting. You are right about batteries, they're much better now, fitted a slightly larger capacity battery to my Vitesse and it does really well. I'm going to leave the engine now, focus on finding my wish list: overdrive gearbox, sunroof and possibly a powder coated chassis!

 

 

 

Hi Iain, I supposed a lot of people have had some more time with their classics lately, my mechanic chap had also bought a Vitesse with as sunroof so I'm starting to get tempted by that too!!

Implication is that a previous owner of my Vitesse returned the carbs but didn't reassemble very well, hence the importance of knowing where you have to stop. I do envy people who can rebuild engines and carbs etc.

 

Hi all you frustrated lockdown classic Triumph owners! A piece of good news to come out of lockdown, my classic car mechanic guy (I know my limits) had my Vitesse during lockdown, long story short he was going to look at door/body alignment and the starting issue and the disappearing clutch pressure. While he had my Vitesse he stripped the carbs and rebuilt them, now it starts properly first time. He says there were loose parts internally following an earlier rebuild, tells me he could see screwdriver scratches on internal surfaces. So many things it could have been but good old diligence wins the day! Clutch now sorted, body alignment issues identified - chance of a new coated chassis.

He's now looking for an overdrive gearbox for me to completely enhance my post lockdown driving experience!

Thanks for all your help guys, happy post-lockdown Triumph driving!!

 

 

By the wayByThanks guys for the great advice and reassurances! You really are a fab bunch!! I feel a lot better about this now, I'll try a fuel filter and I'll check the pump lever for the position before I prime and I won't worry about turning over until it starts, no throttle until it fires, check the fuel pipes and give it enough choke!

 

Hi again all, update time! Well, after a dead battery (replaced) a jammed knackered starter (replaced) and a visit from my local mobile classic car specialist (not cheap but we'll worth it for his 50 years plus experience!) we have a still slow to start but now running Vitesse!! The chap who got me going again (George Reid) identified a timing error of 10 degrees and an issue with the choke block on the Stromberg's - IainT thread has been helpful, wondering now if I have a mis-assembled choke block? Also he set screw to winter setting☺ 

So with the new battery, working starter instead of a solenoid 'click', adjusted timing, confirmed fuel supply, winter choke setting, plus a new coil for good measure, we have a slightly reluctant to start but running Vitesse! The mobile classics guy says he might be able to get a choke block, said he might have one in his parts shed, but I will mention to him the point made by IainT about choke block assembly.

Thanks all

Barry

Thanks Iain, went into classic car ownership quite suddenly but with no illusions about the reality of keeping complex 50 year old machinery running! If any other members out there have any choke block advice or know where to get the parts it would be much appreciated. The mobile classic car guy said he would continue looking for a choke block - now he's worked on it I think he's adopted the carbs as his responsibility! He'll still charge me though😉

Thanks Pete, I'll check them out!

 

By the way, what is the TSSC opinion on ballasted coils? I understand they help with cold starting issue?