tr7triumph.com

Hey all! I just recently bought a 1980 TR7 in blue. It is a drophead five speed, been in storage for fifteen years. Now just trying to get it running! Thank you in advance for the advice I know you will bestow upon me! Mikey

Michael Scott Wisinski

Hi Mikey, welcome to the Best Triumph TR7/8 Forum on the net, hope you enjoy the forum & any information recieved fromn the guys & girls on here, its truly an excellent Forum, hope to speak soon



Steve
1979 BL Press Car Pre Production Prototype Inca Yellow DHC

Hi Mikey. Congrats on your purchase. A wise choice we are all very sure. [:)]

Because pictures are so useful in helping us understand the problems & appreciate the progress please read this thread on posting pictures: http://www.forum.triumphtr7.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3738

Also, please don't post the same message in multiple places just because it makes things confusing. That's my little hobby horse exercised!

Good luck with the car. What needs doing?


Never say die. At least not while you're still breathing.

Well, the clutch has expired. There is no feeling in the clutch pedal at all so im figuring pulling the entire hydraulic system. Had the car running earlier today with the airbox off and while leaning over the engine compartment, accidently put my hand over the black valve in between the carburetors. No I cant get the darn thing started again! Lol, Think I may have flooded it. So try again in the morning i shall. Also not sure if the water pump is working or not. It is hard to tell, i didnt want to let the car get to warm just in case it isnt especially not knowing if the water gauge works or not!!

Michael Scott Wisinski

Assuming the clutch system has fluid in it, get under the car & check that the slave cylinder is working ie, the pushrod is moving. If it isn't then fill & bleed the hydraulics. Check for leaks. If you can see the pushrod being moved by the slave & the clutch isn't releasing then something has come adrift or broken in the bellhousing so you will need to take the gearbox out.


Never say die. At least not while you're still breathing.

Stored for 15 years? I'm guessing the gas has left a lot of varnish in carbs and they will tend to flood. I would take off the bottoms and clean them specifically the needle and seat area. The carb pistons should be free to move. They have rubber diaphrams that can deteriorate. They may need a carb kit down the line.

No feeling in the clutch pedal. Check the clutch fluid level. I'd be surprised if the rubber seals in master/slave clutch cylinders are holding the fluid. They probably need to be overhauled. Not expensive. Use the search tool on the upper right hand corner of this page to get details and hints. An OEM manual is invaluable to walk you through it. You can download it in pdf format from jclay's website.


TR7 Spider - 1978 Spifire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra

Ahhhh welcome Michael

a few things to try first

check if there is a spark to the plugs, check that the tank isn't rusted within clean out and free up the carbs

you basically have to follow the system through bit by bit and make sure as far as possible everything is free and is working before starting the ole girl up.... bit like the wife [:D]

Brakes have probably siezed again take these apart bleed through with new fluid etc

[8 whole cylinders worth of punch to ram the world through the windshield and out the rear view mirror. Car & Driver]
1981 Grinnall TR7 v8
1981 Black FHC
1979 & 1980 Black Premium FHC(laid to rest) Sorry


John

Welcome! [:)]

I'm new here too. I recently obtained a long-time "stored" TR also. Over 10 years of idle time, but mostly in a garage. So I share your predicament. I know little about the TR, in general and in the specifics of the one I have.

Mine has inoperable brakes. The engine had been running when stored. The gas tank has one or a few pinholes. The power steering rack specific to the TR8 is faulty. The clutch master cylinder is gone. It has some rust but not too bad.

I'm lacking the time to spend on it right now. So I am trying to preserve what is there and assess what needs to be done.

I have spun the engine, not trying to start it, and it does so freely. That's good news. I will put more oil in the cylinder tops and put back the spark plugs. I have been cleaning the brake system and trying to figure if I will give it bigger brakes.

Ima TRyFixTR8 my first Triumph

Hi Mikey,

Welcome to Wedgedom! Congrats on your purchase. You'll have it sorted in short order. Well at least enough to keep the addiction flourishing. [:D] The help, encouragement and collective wisdom of the sages of the forum is terrific. A great bunch!

Sue