Just my two cents:
<snip>
Hi - I'm new to Triumphs and am considering buying a '79 Spitfire
1500. It appears to be in good shape, has all maintenance records and
only 24k miles on it.
I have a couple of questions....
1. The hood rattles when it idles. The seller showed me a couple of
little rubber plugs on the hood that have worn down, making the
hood a bit loose when closed. Does this sound reasonable? Are they
easy to find and replace?
<snip>
A friend of mine had a similar problem when those rubber plugs that meet
the bonnet latches wear out. His bonnet became jammed because they became
caught in the bonnet latch attached to the body (the seat for the plugs).
More likely is someone was lazy and hasn't adjusted the bonnet to catch
securely (possibly because the "worn" rubber "plugs" or bushings have
become jammed before).
I would reccomend replacing the rubber bushings and readjusting the
alignment of the bonnet.
<snip>
2. It doesn't have a very smoothe idle. The seller claimed that you
don't want a smoothe idle. ???? Does this sound right?
<snip>
My 76 has a pretty smooth idle (amazing since she hasn't started in over 13
years!)
I would expect a relatively smooth idle when warm unless the engine was
modified (non-stock cam shaft) or has wear (below).
<snip>
3. There was some smoke coming out the exhaust. I saw a little black
smoke and a little grey. What would be a reasonable amount of
smoke? Is any amount reasonable?
<snip>
when does it smoke more? at start-up (cold, been sitting a while) or warm,
or all of the time. It does make a difference.
Best of luck with it should you purchase it. Spitfires are fun! ;->
Mark Townsend
Roch, NH (near Portsmouth)
76 Spitfire 69k orig miles
87 Turbo Quattro 169k orig miles (and still kicking!)
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* Mark Townsend *
* markt@tiac.net *
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