The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Do you know of a mobile mechanic who can help me start my Sprint? The engine turns over but doesn't fire up.
I'm in Denton, Manchester. Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

When did the engine last run?

Thank you for the response. The last time the engine ran was 3 years ago.

Well there are some basic checks which you ought to carry out first before going to the expense of paying a mechanic to come out to you - that's if you can find one these days who doesn't turn up with a laptop and ask where it can be plugged in!
Does the engine turn over? If not, is the battery fully charged? Loose electrical connection? Starter motor faulty? Fuel - getting to the float chambers? Plugs clean, sparking? There are a few other things to look at too, but there's a starting point (no pun intended) for you which might save you some money.

Thanks for the tips. I've had a look at the car myself and I can't work out why the engine isn't starting. I've now found a mobile mechanic and arranged for him to inspect the car the week after next. I'll post an update.

A mobile mechanic inspected my '73 Sprint on Monday but unfortunately he was not able to start the car. I was not charged for the call-out.
The engine turns over strongly but there is no spark. The green oil light is the only light on the circular instrument cluster that comes on when I try to start it. Does anyone have any ideas about what the problem might be?

The fact the oil pressure light is on shows that there is some power getting to the white wire side of the fuse box.
Just to do some more basic diagnostics which of the following items do / do not work please ?

IGN light
Choke warning light
Handbrake light

Then: Does the fuel gauge read with the Ignition on?
Do the brake lights work ?
Do the wipers work?
Do the washers work ?
Do the reversing lights work?
Do the seat belts warning lights work ?
Do the indicators / Hazard flashers work ?

Also : do the horns work ?
Do the headlights and sidelights work ?

Do you have a DVM or a test-light please ?

Ta,
Tony.

Hello Tony,

Thanks for replying to my post.
I'm working away at the moment so I cannot access the car to answer all your questions.
However, when I tried to start the car on Monday the ignition light didn't come on (it normally does). The fuel warning light didn't come on either (it normally does).
The seatbelt lights and the handbrake lights have never worked during my ownership of the car.
I didn't check any of the exterior lights, the horn or the fuel gauge but there is definitely fuel in the car because I put a gallon of unleaded in the tank before the mechanic arrived.
I know the wipers work because they came on when I accidentally hit the stalk!
Unfortunately, I don't have a DVM or test light.
As always, any help will be gratefully received.
Thanks.