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rcufley

rcufley

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Hello all! My name is Bob I am currently retired and just picked up a 1980 Spitfire. It is in somewhat rough shape but runs and drives ok. The poor little 1500 engine runs and the cylinders burn clean. However, there is a lot of ratteling noise coming from the inside of the engine. Guess I'll just have to tear it down to see just what's happening. I plan on restoring it back to life with maybe a little help and experience from this fourm. Thanks!!
 
Welcome!

And yes, don't run that 1500 too long if you're not sure about strange noises inside. The 1500 has thrust washers that could be called a weak design feature. Sometimes the thrust washers actually fall out of place if they are worn. Then the crank will bear directly against the engine block (bad). This could spoil the crank and can also cause rapid rod bearing wear.

Thrust washers can wear especially quick on street cars where the clutch is held down for long periods with the engine running.....a good habit to avoid with the 1500.

Thrust washers actually last longer in my 1500 race car than typical street cars, but I still re-new them (and rod bearings) about every 25 hours of use.
For a street car that is used on a regular basis, it's probably good to drop the pan and check them every 2 or 3 years.

G'luck!
 
Thanks Nial... I read somewhere on the net that the noise "could" be something as simple as a fan belt that is too tight or maybe a loose timing chain tensioner. If it's not one of those, I'll pull the pan and see if there are any extra parts floating in the oil. :smile:)
Again, thanks for the information!!!
 
Welcome, Bob!

Suggestion: Take a stethoscope to it as it runs to try to isolate WHERE the noise is emanating before ya start tearin' things down.
 
Howdy Bob,

"Welcome" from the "Upstate" of SC (Greenville Area). Best wishes with your "New/Old" toy car.

Regards, Russ
 
Thanks Guy's. I checked the timing and found it way off the mark like 20 to 30 degrees BTDC. It looked so bad that I thought the little engine was firing on the 2nd cylinder first!! :smile:.. Brought it back to about 8 degrees BTDC and the noise has reduced significantly. Still will try the Stethoscope to see if I can localize the remaining noise and go from there. Thanks for the help and advise.
 
Welcome!! :savewave:
 
Be sure to jump over to the Triumph forum now that you've made an introduction.
 
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