The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hello to you all...

I am hoping to pick up a Dolomite that has been 'resting' for a number of years in the next week or two and I just have a simple plea for advice on what to do to gently wake it from its long-term snooze...?!

I don't want to do anything that will ruin parts of it that haven't moved for a while so any advice would be appreciated.

All the best and thanks to you all in advance...

I suggest your first issue may be getting it home.

If it has "rested" for several years I should assume the brakes will be unreliable - they might cope with a test drive; but that could just be enough to cause the sweet rubbery bits in slaves / master to go. I had exactly this. AOK for a 5 mile test drive, but a day later 2 wheel cylinders had gone. There are firms for cheapish trailering - I used Shipley (you open an onsite auction, and take the cheapest - in my case an empty "return" trip)

Then start on engine, tyres, clutch hydraulics, steering/suspension esp balljoints. If you are a bit cash-rich, an early MOT (even assuming it will fail) will highlight areas to look at.

I hope other members will chip in soon with lots more (and better-informed) ideas.

tory roger

Do some internet research. There are plenty of articles too on here about starting long dormant engines.

I would start by seeing if the engine turns....then think about getting rid of stale fuel and perished rubber fuel lines
check the oil, maybe replace it, and seeing if it will run.

Brakes could well need a complete going through as well, but psychologically I prefer a car that runs.

Jonners

You will need a brand new battery. To echo what Jonners has said, the entire fuel system will need cleaning out and the rubber fuel lines will most likely, need replacing. Make sure there's enough oil and coolant and if you're lucky, this should be sufficient to get it running. Also, check the cooling system hoses. You will most probably need to renew these as well. Just give 'em a squeeze (oo er!). Try to get it running first before you think about anything else. A running car is a big psychological boost. If this it the 1850 auto, don't forget to check the condition of the fluid. It will probably need changing. If it still a pink colour and there's no burnt smell, the transmission is fine. The carb mounts will have probably perished so this would be an ideal opportunity to fit the solid ones available from the Club (this is on my list of things to do).

Let us know how you get on once you get it home.

As said above the very first thing, would be to check the engine turns by hand in 4th gear to avoid breaking anything

tarynus wrote:As said above the very first thing, would be to check the engine turns by hand in 4th gear to avoid breaking anything

It's an auto' so I will just have to be brave I suppose...!!!

I agree with changing oil and filter before starting the engine but I also remove the sparking plugs to remove any load on the dry bearings before the oil has had a chance to get round, as soon as the oil pressure light goes out put the plugs back in.

Malcolm
1973 1850 Auto

grifterkid wrote:

tarynus wrote:As said above the very first thing, would be to check the engine turns by hand in 4th gear to avoid breaking anything

It's an auto' so I will just have to be brave I suppose...!!!

Don't, turn it by hand first. With the plugs out it should be easy just pulling on the fan belt.

A temporary fuel supply would be quicker than redoing all the fuel lines and cleaning out the tank. I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. Have you asked the previous owner when the engine was last run and if it was turned at regular intervals? It would be easier to know this before doing any checks.

Further to what has already been written Ash,
having done this a few times, from my experience it is best to presume that all perishables will need replacing.

I'd be looking to change all the brakes, ie the master cylinder, pipes, hoses, pads , shoes, cylinders and discs
fuel line (fit a new filter too) and cleaning out or replacing the tank
tyres
hoses and coolant (possibly the radiator too)
battery
shock absorbers
full engine service including new breather hoses and cleaning out the carbs.
exhaust system
ball joints
etc.


Once you return it to the road it is realistic to expect other problems to show up......



best of luck,
will be watching your progress with interest



Ian.

Check the electrical connections.

Clean them up with contact cleaner and a wire brush where poss.

The fact is, just about everything will need looking at.

Nice to hear another auto saved, any pics?