Triumphrat

10-24-2005

Hi everyone out there in Trumpet land. I've just bought my dream bike - Ok I've had faster, slicker and my mates think I'm an old codger but my Maroon and cream sparkling 2,800 miles immaculate 97 T bird is the bike I've been waiting for. I've never had a Triumph before - What do I need to know about my Tbird before it goes wrong - can anyone help?

robtroll23 · 10-24-2005

Rev it up to 2500rpm, put on your high beams, and then step on your rear brake lever. If you hear a funny noise around your alternator, check the alternator bolt.

bobshields55 · 10-24-2005

Hello and welcome Rothonbird

- Check the battery acid level regularly, the alternators are fierce on our T3s.

- Do, or have done, the valve shim adjustment check. The Triumph schedule calls for it to be done at 12000 mile intervals. I recommend doing yours now or over the winter, because of the age. I did that with mine, age vs. mileage, and was pleased with the result.

- Flush and replace the coolant, it is often overlooked.

- Enjoy your dream bike.

:-D :-D

[ This message was edited by: bobshields55 on 2005-10-24 19:20 ]

10-24-2005

not sure what year they fixed the paint problem, but early t-birds have a problem with paint that was applied inside the filler opening on the tank.

i still have not fixed mine, but what is happening is the paint is bubbling off where gas touches it, with the chance it may drop into the tank and either hopefully clog your fuel system, or worse make its way into your engine.

just take the fuel cap off, and look in, you will instantly know if you have a problem.

legend21 · 10-24-2005

Age does not affect the valve clearance at all :hammer: mileage yes

check has to be made at the 1st 6000 miles service, can be done eaelier, but not to much. Then valve check has to be done every 6000. 12000 is an usual intrevall for shimm changes ( if needed).

Due to the age and low mileage of your bike, I will recomand to check the tank ( rust for example), the carb , all the rubber hoses, including the intake manifoilds, the lubricant ,the coolant and the brake and clutch fluid .

The air filter is an issue too. The OEM foam element itself is not available as a spare part. Don't think that you can afford to make the task within an hour for the 1st time :hammer:

bobshields55 · 10-24-2005

Quote:

On 2005-10-24 19:12, legend21 wrote:
Age does not affect the valve clearance at all :hammer: mileage yes

check has to be made at the 1st 6000 miles service, can be done eaelier, but not to much. Then valve check has to be done every 6000. 12000 is an usual intrevall for shimm changes ( if needed).

That may be so about the age not affecting the shims, but I had mine checked at 4000 miles and adjustment (though minor) was needed, and performance increased noteably.

legend21 · 10-24-2005

The valves take their place within their first thousands miles..

I've to change 8 shims at 5000 too ...

However this is linked to mileage not to age ... and is not the most critical point on a 8 years bike with such a low mileage ..

basicaly I recomand to be carefull with an old but low miled bike.. It depends of the quality of the storage and if the maintenance schedules have been respected ..

( old wet oil, dry seals , rusted brake callipers )etc...

bobshields55 · 10-24-2005

Quote:

On 2005-10-24 20:00, legend21 wrote:
The valves take their place within their first thousands miles..

I've to change 8 shims at 5000 too ...

However this is linked to mileage not to age ... and is not the most critical point on a 8 years bike with such a low mileage ..

Your message is loud and clear and understood. I even agree with it! Must it be continually reposted?

[ This message was edited by: bobshields55 on 2005-10-24 21:00 ]

jimmyj900 · 10-24-2005

Quote:

not sure what year they fixed the paint problem, but early t-birds have a problem with paint that was applied inside the filler opening on the tank.

i still have not fixed mine, but what is happening is the paint is bubbling off where gas touches it, with the chance it may drop into the tank and either hopefully clog your fuel system, or worse make its way into your engine.

The easy way to get rid of that flaking paint is to stick some duct tape to it an pull off the tape. The loose paint will come with it.

Jim

walshja · 10-25-2005

Jimmy, I have the same problem on my tank as well, will duct tape really do the job?

Should I seal the tank with anything after that?

And does the peeling paint spread to the outside of the tank?

This is encouraging news for me !! I thought I had to get the entire tank repainted.