Triumphrat

speedblastr · 02-03-2008

A buddy of mine has a trident he purchased quite a while back. He bought as is.1970 something. Trident T150? The engine is seized. He's got the head off of it.What are some of the things we can look into to identify the problem? Is there something notorious about them in this way or quite simply pre-owner abuse. Crankcase ? Pistons ? It's probably been sitting awhile. Open to suggestions. Thanks. Speed.

Mecchanica · 02-03-2008

Center cylinder runs hot, could have seized. Otherwise, pretty much same as any engine. When you get to it, you'll know. It'll be ugly. If it's rust in the cylinders from sitting, that will also be pretty obvious.

speedblastr · 02-03-2008

It's a 1974 , T150V. What's the difference between the T150 vs. T150(V) Also I see a lot of LUCAS parts on it , cylinder walls don't look too bad. By the plate on it , the last time it had been ridden was 92'. It also has Ammal Carbs. I think I spelled that right.

Emanthehorse · 02-04-2008

The V in T150V means it has the five speed transmission (as in the Roman Numeral).

Carbs are AMAL.

Did you discover why it was seized yet?

oldebonnie · 02-04-2008

Free advice: Buy factory shop and parts manuals. Best investment he could make at this point.

speedblastr · 02-04-2008

Factory Manuals- Who Archives them. Dealerships. Or are you talking about what Gleamintwin was posting such as Triumph restoration and etc. by Tim Remus. He has a Haynes for his particular model. we have been leafing through it when I have time. It's a great looking bike-Exterior anyway. I have a notion it's either what mecchanica said"center cylinder" or what I think , It's a hunch but I think It may be crankcase involved. I need to get back over there, I'll kep you guys posted, don't give up on me yet. It may be awhile but I'll search for this post and update. Thanks for your time .We'll find it ! Speed.

SKip · 02-04-2008

Go for the Workshop Manual, I got mine from British Cycle Supply - http://britishcycle.com/
They have parts books + factory manuals.
I think British Only still have them also - http://britishonly.com/.
I have user both places but prefer British Cycle as you can call them and ask advice, I think British Only is online ordering only now.
You might want to check out http://triplesonline.com/ the site has been a great help to me.
If I can be of any help email me I have a 73 T150V I'll be glad to try to help you.

Skip
skip.b@verizon.net

oldebonnie · 02-04-2008

Good sources above; also check out fleabay where repops abound and the occasional original will surface as well. And check out the local library; my small town library has several manuals including a Glenn's and a Clymers, both of which are pretty good.

But the correct year factory manuals will be best.

Lutz · 02-04-2008

Mecchanica
How much hotter does the center cylinder run on the Trident?
Is it hot enough that it needs more piston clearance or richer jets or a richer needle position
or different timing from stock specs.?
Lutz

slicktero · 02-05-2008

In 40 years of working on BSA and Triumph triples, I have NEVER seen a seized piston. Holes burned in pistons, yes, but NEVER pistons seizures. I personally believe the "center cylinder runs hot" is an old wives tale. I currently own 7 triples, and many of them have upwards of 60,000 miles on the top ends. As for jetting, typically you will want to run 3-1/2 slide, .106 needle jet, needle in middle position, and a 160-170 main jet. The bikes were fitted with 150 main jets, but with the amount of alcohol in the gas these days, you are safer with a main jet 1-2 steps higher than stock. If your motor is seized, it is probably a tied up rod. Triples tend to use oil, and if the owner doesn't watch his oil level, the first thing to go are the rod inserts. Also, the best thing you can do for this motor is replace the three points with an electronic ignition system.