The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

I'm about to start the winter programme of small improvements. The main thing is a new clutch and to rebuild the carbs. Now, Ive been knocking this old sprint engine for a good 5 years, before that it never moved, not once, in 10 years. So every year I expect trouble, and every year it keeps going. I don't hammer it, but I dont hang about. Compression is all in the 150's, doesn't burn oil, doesn't drink water. It doesn't leak oil any more since I found the problem. So, do I just put it back in the car, or do I lift the head and see what's going on. Something tells me I should strip it, but something else says it ain't broke! Took it to Germany for a kit car rally and it held its own, more then I did, got a bad back sat still all that way. Any ideas if there is something I should consider ?

I would say definitely leave well alone. If the gods of Petroleum have seen fit to bless you with the ONLY reliable Sprint engine, don't tempt providence, sit back and enjoy it!

Steve

Nice artwork by the way!

If it ain't broke, save up for the day when it is, get all the nos and decent used spares you can get your hands on at a decent price, ready for the day.
Because when you NEED them you'll have to pay whatever it takes if you're in a hurry.

Good tip and that raises another question, good place to get good quality spares? bearings gaskets and such like. Any help always appreciated.

I have a good stock of Glacier AE tri-metal bearings in 10 thou oversize and some other sizes also...

Then you could be the man, I'll be in touch, many thanks.

I don't think the second woman is a real mechanic.

I was very nervous when she was under the bonnet, with an adjustable! but all turned out OK. I kept a beady eye on the whole proceedings

I have few issues she could help me out with.
I hope she washes her hands...

Given my Sprint engine is now on 140k miles and has had one rebuild, not needing a rebore but just one duff cam lobe I would also
say if it aint broke dont fix it.

Just regular oil and filter changes with good stuff, decent antifreeze and the usual on eye on the temp gauge and keep it in tune on ignition and carbs and I would look at at least 80k miles between major strips.

Slants.....all they need is regular maintenance.

Jonners

many thanks for the replies. Due to a spell of ill health, bloody brain tumor has decided to move a tad to the left, causing a fair bit of pain, I've had loads of time to contemplate the future of the sprint based car. It does need a clutch and the carbs are always a bit suspect. It did sit neglected for 10years under a carport. So I presume things get brittle and old, just like me. But I had it running within 20 minutes of trying and a couple of things like brakes and clutch needing freeing up. So the engine keeps going, and I will leave it as it is. It does shift the B+ along at a rapid rate without having to boot it everywhere and the performance in 3rd. is all "grunt". So there you have it, leave it be and enjoy, lets hope for a good 2017 so that I can enjoy it. As you may have noticed the car featured in a photoshoot here in Plymouth, I was some what chuffed that old wreck and his car should be considered good enough, hard work this modelling, hats off to their patience.