• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

Are you ever really done with a car

Share this page

T

tomgt6

Jedi Warrior
Offline
Well, after a 4 year project with my sons we finally got the 63 spitfire on the road, I think. I took it into town the other day and got around fine and then ran into carb issues. The back carb piston locked up and wouldn't come go up so the car would run but no power.

The other things I am running into are some hard starting times. We ran it for about 20 miles and then stopped for about 5 minutes. The car just didn't want to start. I cranked on it off and on for about 5 min and then it finally started. I find that sometimes I need my foot to the floor to get it started warm and other times 1/2 way. Just haven't found the right formula yet.

Another question for you guys?

What are you guys using to seal the gas pedal to the fire wall.
 
Ever done with a car???

Only when you sell it! :devilgrin:
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]after a 4 year project[/QUOTE]

I suspect you'll have get through an interim period where little things that crept in during the restoration ask for more attention. And, then, there's the four year period itself: I think all these TRs need to be driven regularly and suffer when not.

The stuck carburetor piston and the hard start (also carb related?) could be traced to either of the above.
 
A 63 Spitfire will have a nylon type bushing that mounts in the firewall on either side of the transmission tunnel. It isn't excactly a seal. And you won't be able to get one in with the engine in, I don't think. They are heck to get in anyway.

You are in the road testing phase. Expect stuff to go wrong. Go back into the carbs and make sure the pistons are freely floating. You could be coming down with vapor lock, but that usually takes a longer trip in hot tmemperatures. Mine never has. A friend's Sunbeam Alpine does it religiously.

My car ran great until last year, but has grown increasingly more irritable. I'm beginning to wonder if the alcohol in the gasoline is causing this.
 
Not just driven regularly, but maintained! These are definitely high maintenance cars, compared to modern cars. Not sure what the schedule is like for a 63 Spit; but for a TR3 it literally starts with "every 250 miles" and "weekly". About a gadzillion items follow, not all clearly spelled out (eg "The bonnet catches, hinges and several small control joints should be given occasional attention with the oil can."), and ends with lubricating the steering column bush every 100,000 miles.

As noted, the hard starting may be related to the stuck piston. Suggest you solve the piston first, then see if the hard starting persists.

One of the most common sources of hard starting when warm is a float valve that doesn't quite seal perfectly. Sometimes just cleaning the valve will clear the problem.
 
I thought I was done after spending six years to do a total rebuild only to find I had "gremlins" (Not the ones the former governor of NY had :laugh: ) that had to be dealt with before I can start enjoying the car.
Last week I got my rebuilt dizzy back into the car, and today I just started installing new suspension springs and bushings.
Does it ever end?.... I'm afraid that Paul hit the nail on the head BUT that's what makes our hobby fun (well maybe :wall:)
 
Well, I think I found some of the issues. The float was filling with gas. I guess a float that isn't hollow will not float. Looks like a bad seam.

As someone else told me once, when you own an English car you do not buy transportation you buy a hobby that gets you around from time to time. And he also told me they are like puppies, they don't listen and leave puddles around.
 
When these car were designed and built, you took them to the mechanic EVERY month (or less)for the monthly adjustments and going over (so i have read). It was considered normal. So, normal means working on them a lot.
Any car does not do well to sit. Heck, even the truckers in northern canada don't shut their trucks down till spring- continuously running.
Now we have cars that can go 100,000 miles with only oil changes and filter changes (and the odd brake job). No plug changes, wire changes, points, distributor lubrication, etc,etc.
 
trfourtune, your signature cracked me up! It's also why WE have separate bank accounts.....no explanations needed as long as the bills get paid :smile:

So I have to say, all your posts are a little worrisome as a new owner of what our future may hold....hahaha.

Any "hit list" items you care to share that should definitely be checked out regularly? Or before you drive it each time? :smile:
 
tomgt6 said:
What are you guys using to seal the gas pedal to the fire wall.
Click to expand...

Do you mean gas pedal, as in accelerator? I think you mean the entire pedal box? Right? We have been using clear silicone caulk in areas that have already been painted. But, any good quality seam sealer will do.

Are you ever really done with a car? No. of course not.

But if you were, what would you do with all that free time???
 
angelfj said:
Are you ever really done with a car? No. of course not.

But if you were, what would you do with all that free time???
Click to expand...

Ummm - drive it? :smirk:
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]BUT that's what makes our hobby fun[/QUOTE]

Fun?.....maybe...........but it definitely makes it expensive.
 
Sorry Paul... I'll bite my tongue.... ouch!!!
 
trfourtune>"When these car were designed and built, you took them to the mechanic EVERY month (or less)for the monthly adjustments and going over (so i have read). It was considered normal. So, normal means working on them a lot."

My experience with my first and second TR3, both bought used, was to just drive them like I stole them. First one the only problems were a broken fan belt and lights went out on a rainy night. They came back on for whatever reason and I went on. Other than that, no problems in four years.

The other TR3 was a race car so had to replace steering bushings and tighten things up. Rebuilt the engine with new liners and pistons, bearings, seals, etc. Ported, polished chambers, matched intake and exhaust to the head, modified carbs, built headers, added oil cooler, and raced her for two hard years without problems.

Both were strong cars and I loved every minute driving them.

Jim
 
I don't know about high maintenance. In the past I've only had to do a quick go over in the spring and regular oil changes. My 6 has been much more reliable than my other "modern" vehicles. It's also outlasted all of them too.
 
Back
Top