The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Hi All

I was wondering if there is anyone local to Wednesbury/West Midlands who can maybe help.

I own a 1973 Triumph 1500TC that has been off the road for the last 4 years.
Bought 'fully restored' from eBay, on it’s 2nd drive, the engine overheated (read stopped and cracked) and actually had to be replaced all together.
This work has been done by a local garage (combining the original engine and a spare spitfire engine), who have returned the vehicle last year.
The car has not been driven since, as it feels really rough running, being told that the engine needs fine tuning by a specialist.

As my Dolomite knowledge doesn't go further than replacing a clutch cylinder/fuel pump, I was wondering if there is anyone who could give me some advice (maybe have a look) what is actually needed to get the car back in full working order?

Any advice much appreciated.

Thank you for your time all.

Jod Clark in Gt Barr is a man who might be able to help. He is on here less frequently these days as he no longer owns a Dolomite, but I'll direct him to this thread.

Sounds like the garage who did the work for you are fobbing you off a bit...

Sounds great!

Many thanks.

Yes, the car was in there for 2.5 years believe it or not....

800 pounds later, it's worse than when it went in!!!!

Interior is great, bodywork is in very good condition, so seems a shame to let the car go...

I'll send you Jod's number by private message.

sanderjurkiewicz wrote:Hi All

I was wondering if there is anyone local to Wednesbury/West Midlands who can maybe help.

I own a 1973 Triumph 1500TC that has been off the road for the last 4 years.
Bought 'fully restored' from eBay, on it’s 2nd drive, the engine overheated (read stopped and cracked) and actually had to be replaced all together.
This work has been done by a local garage (combining the original engine and a spare spitfire engine), who have returned the vehicle last year.
The car has not been driven since, as it feels really rough running, being told that the engine needs fine tuning by a specialist.

As my Dolomite knowledge doesn't go further than replacing a clutch cylinder/fuel pump, I was wondering if there is anyone who could give me some advice (maybe have a look) what is actually needed to get the car back in full working order?

Any advice much appreciated.

Thank you for your time all.

Before you spend money on a tune, have you checked the easy simple stuff?

The engine timing is correct, getting a spark on all cylinders, and the carbs are correctly setup?

I am no great mechanics, but most of that kind of stuff is easy enough with basic tools and a timing gun.

The first thing you need to do is to check the valve clearances (do this when the engine is stone cold). Next, check your ignition. This would be a good opportunity to fit electronic ignition (if you already haven't done so). Once you know the ignition is 100% you can then move on to the carbs. There's an excellent SU tuning guide (courtesy of our very own Jonners) on the Dolly Wiki.

Thank you all for the great advice.

I have contacted Jod (who has kindly agreed to come over and have a look) and will first go and check the basics tomorrow thanks to your advice.

I will let you know how I get on.

Cheers

Sander