The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Welcome to the forum.

I've moved your thread here because it is a technical question. Whereabouts are you located? Maybe there's somebody who is local to you who may be able to help.

A few tips I can think of to start with...
Check the spark plugs - renew preferably.
Check all electrical connections - HT leads, lead to coil etc.
Check condition of points - correct gap?
Is the battery ok? If the car has been standing for a long time, it probably isn't so replace.
Change the oil and make sure it's the correct grade - 20w50.
The fuel is likely to have gone off so drain the tank and refill with fresh fuel.
Try starting the engine - does it turn over? If not, then the starter motor isn't getting power or is faulty.
Check that fuel is getting to the carbs - take the float chamber cover off to check for fuel.

These are just the basic first steps, though having the distributor correctly installed and the HT leads in the right order would be useful. A Haynes manual would help there.
If still no joy after doing the above, post again and we'll see if we can narrow down the problem further.

The ignition system needs to be checked first before moving on to the fuel system.

And don't forget to check that it has the correct starter on it (as I'be been reminded) - it turns the opposite way.

my favoured method is first turn the engine by hand to check its free, the remove dizzy cap and check if points are sparking with ignition on if not then check coil has power, if yes change points, condenser recheck for spark. once you have a spark replace cap and check you have spark at spark plugs and if all is good remove air filter housing and spray some easy start (or neat fuel if you happen to have a fuel sprayer). then assuming battery is good or using slave battery/ jump pack pull choke out and turn key. if you are lucky it will spit and cough and maybe even fire up. then you can move on to servicing or checking timing etc

(I should also say check oil level and that clutch is not stuck on, put out any naked flames and remove any child or friends with low IQ from near the engine)