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TR3A Week 7 update (rambleish)

To: triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: TR3A Week 7 update (rambleish)
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 22:37:53 -0400
"That's nice dear", and "huh?" from the family don't cut it, so I'm looking for 
at least one "attaboy" from the list as I share my progress and enthusiasm...

After spending way too much time/effort/$ on having the "wrong" bullet -nosed 
starter that came with the car rebuilt, and then learning it was the wrong 
starter, I received a rebuilt "correct" long-bendix starter from British 
Vehicle Electric yesterday, and bolted it on tonight... it works! The engine 
spins!  A gallon of fresh gas (well, semi-fresh - drained from a snowmobile 
summerized in April...) and pulling the hose off the back carb indicate a good 
fuel flow. Clean oil on the dipstick, lots of suction at the carbs. With bated 
breath and a shout of "clear!", a sniff of the ether paddles had it cough and 
run smoothly for way more than 3 seconds!  Defininitely on life support, but 
alive!  

Considering the PO bought it in '98 as a resto project, and never had it 
running, and my belief it was unlikely I'd have a running engine in less than a 
year, I'm thinking this is a giant step forward, and a huge success! ( I know 
the worst is surely yet to come, but please don't burst my bubble just yet...)

Figuring stopping takes precedent over going, I'll return my attention to the 
brakes this weekend - my rebuilt calipers, new lines, hoses, pads, relined 
shoes  and master cylinder rebuild kits all are supposed to arrive Friday. 
Hoping to do some cleainng/sanding/blasting/painting (or preferably powder 
coating) of the relevant parts as I proceed.

Looking (optimistically) a couple of weeks out once the brake system is done, 
I'm assuming the next logical engine steps are to: check compression, rebuild 
carbs, replace plugs/points/wires and try to get it running long enough to tune 
the carbs. At the risk of asking dumb questions, is there anything else I 
should be looking for?

I saw on a website somewhere a reference to the list's possible impatience with 
people asking questions to which the answers can easily be found in the owner's 
manual... considering the overwhelming quantity of information available ( I 
have a Service Manual, print-out of an owners manual, Piggot and Williams 
books, websites bookmarked, Parts Manual on order, etc.), hopefully there's 
some tolerance to provide a nudge in the right direction to find the answer if 
the questions are inapropriate or overly simplistic.

I've spent the better part of a couple of years mostly lurking this list, and 
FWIT, this list has been the primary fuel for my enthusiasm and interest in 
Triumphs in general, and sidescreens in particular.  It was invaluable in 
shaping my desire/search/acquisition of the right TR project for me. Thanks to 
Mark and all for this, and TIA for all of your future support and fraternity.

Also had the opportunity to attend my first local club meeting this week 
(Waterloo BCC) via a list referal, and met a terrific group of enthusiasts... 
what a great passion/sport/hobby this is!

Cameron Joyce
'59 TR3A (rolling, almost running, maybe braking soon)
'54 TR2 (resting, not rolling... easily offended by being called a basket case)





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