Triumphrat

I just re-began work on a 64 Bonneville, with T6R heads, and it finally gave me spark. The previous problem was not getting any spark when I kicked it, but when I flicked the key it had some. All of a sudden, it has kicking spark, the lights work, and all's good. Anyway, I'm set to have it running soon. I know I need lead additive in it for gas, new oil, etc. But, what else should I do mechanically before I really take it out for a ride? I removed and completely cleaned the carb, points are set, and it just needs cleaned up really good to look better. I also have a slightly large oil problem. Every time I kick it over more than 5 times or so, it leaks oil out of the left side cover on the engine. I checked the 2 bolts towards the back, on the bottom, and loosened then re-tightened both. The gasket I believe is the culprit. It was also leaking at the pressure check valve, but that's been replaced with a oil pressure gauge, which I tightened all joints on. That solved that part of the problem. As long as I'm at it, on the carb, which is concentric, there's a small, about 3mm wide, 8mm tall brass button on the side of the carb. What's it for? Thanks, Kyle

I can't ansewer all your questions but a long time vintage Triumph mechanic told me that if the engine has been run on leaded gas at some time in its life then there should be enough lead in the valves and seats that unleaded gas should be okay. I think your button may be a carb tickler but I haven' looked at a concentric for a while. If so when the engine is cold you hold the button done until your finger just gets wet and it primes the engine for starting.

Hey that's cool. Didn't know they needed primed! I'm thinking of just replacing the gasket on that side cover, since that should really be the problem. Hasn't leaked for 21 years, why start now? I surmise it's just having more pressure in the case, so the gasket split over time, then started leaking. But we have like 3 other engines to choose from, along with a couple of gasket sets. It'll all be good. Does lead substitute do anything to hurt performance? If so, I may not run it. If not, can't hurt anything. Kyle

sidreilley

Beezer is right, there is really no need for lead additives in the fuel. An engineer friend who worked on fuel systems for Cadillac told me the same thing years ago (when leaded premium disappeared from America). Save the money for the parts you will probably need to replace from being worn out.
The little plunger on the carb that you describe does sound like the tickler (for priming).
By left side cover, I assume that you are refering to the primary drive side. The gasket sounds like the chief suspect. If it was over filled, it would have leaked out while in storage, and the primary drive was sealed (from crankcase oil) until 70 or 69.

Well, my dad and I dragged it out today, and it wouldn't start at all. We got it to backfire half a dozen times, though. At least it's getting stuff to happen. We checked timing, it's good, all's good electronically. He said the last tiem it was started, some 20 years ago, a coil or condensor was going bad, causing one of the coils to heat up way too much. I am skeptical of buying new ones though, since I'm 16 and short on cash. I'd like reassurance that the new coils/condensors will really make it run before I buy the stuff. I was also looking at electronic ignitions, but can't find a cheaper than 90 Euros place. What's the dollar to Euro conversion at now, does anybody know? Kyle

Slinky

Dollar to Euro is about 1:1 at least it was last time I looked.

Condensers are pretty cheap and they all do much the same thing. You should be able to get a couple cheap from your local auto parts shop.


[ This message was edited by: Slinky on 2004-06-13 14:28 ]

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Thanks for the conversion. I thought it was around 1:1, but wasnt' sure. The British Pound Sterling I guess it is, is apparently half of a dollar in value. Will the condensors/coils help the starting at all? If I get an electronic ignition for it, I'll get new coils anyway, just to update it. Kyle

Slinky

I think it's worth a shot to try changing the condensors. It's a cheap fix if it works.


£UK is worth about US$1.80 right now.

__________________
"You can't fly with the eagles if you keep scratching with the turkeys."

Thanks Slinky. I'll try changing them out, maybe it'll work. Kyle