TR2/3/3A TR3 fumes in cockpit.

[Lukens]

Fortunately I live in a warm climate and rarely put my top up. Regardless, I get a lot of fumes. I believe it's a combination of dripping oil on hot surfaces , crankcase fumes, and maybe exhaust fumes from the rear (no exhaust leaks). I replaced the shifter boot and that seemed to help. I'm also working on the firewall grommets with a flexible rope caulk. I suppose I need to tackle oil leaks, but I'm not sure I want to open that can of worms.
Is this problem surmountable? How many of you have it and what have you done?
Coughingly,
Russ

 

[Member 10617]

You might want to try to analyze the fumes. Do they smell like oil fumes or gas fumes or exhaust? When I had such fumes, they were from gas leaking from around the carburetors -- mainly leaking from the jets or from the float chambers. If they are oil fumes or exhaust fumes, that's another matter.

If the oil is dripping onto the exhaust system, most of those fumes are blown away under the car as you are moving along and wouldn't get into the cockpit unless you have unplugged holes. If there are holes, then you should use the rubber grommets that are made for the purpose. If the oil is dripping down the side of the engine, that can result in fumes but might be easily fixed by checking the suspect gaskets.

If they are exhaust fumes, they are probably coming from the manifold (first place to check). If they are exhaust fumes, you need to fix them because even with the top down you don't want to be breathing in those fumes as they can accummulate in your system over time and cause problems.

These are just my preliminary thoughts and suggestions as to where you might start your investigation.

Some people say that like the propensity to drip oil, these cars produce what is known as "Triumph smell." You might not eliminate it all, but don't just tolerate it. You can eliminate most and probably all of it.

 

[Lukens]

Good reply. I guess I just need to go to work... some more.

 

[CJD]

I think you are on the right track checking the grommets. There are many holes on the floor, firewall and tunnel that could be missing plugs. The engine will always smell, but it should not get in the cabin as long as you have forward speed.

John

 

[Geo Hahn]

You may also find that the forward edge of the tunnel is not sealed well against the firewall. My tunnel was so beat up that (as a temporary measure) I sealed gaps between it and the firewall with Gorilla tape. Temporary being until such time as I need to remove the tunnel for gearbox work.