Fellow netizens,
I think this is the general rule, as far as we know it over here in
Sweden, also. If John says the 1500 has a weakness in a certain area
- then the rest of us has better follow his advice... He handles more
bad or broken engines than the rest of us amateures will ever have a
chance to see during our entire Triumph career...
My view also...
/Odd
Jonathan Miles wrote:
>
> > Martin S writes (quotes?) - < snip >
> > "The end-of-the-line 1493cc powerplant was essentially a stroked
> > big-bearing 1296 unit. ... Hard driving will wear the crankshaft
> > bearings. Unless you replace the shells every 30-40,000 miles,
> > the crank will be lucky to last another
>30,000.'*********************************************************************
> > Yes, I read that quote also, but I disagree. The rods and bearings
> > are the same as those used in the TR6 and I don't see any major
> > problems with bottom ends wearing out early on these engines.
> > In fact if the same bore was used you would have over 1600 cc's.
> > It is true that these engines don't like to rev as well, but that's
> > owing to the longer stroke - as typical with all long stroke 'over
> > square' engines, not the larger bearings. I don't see any problem
> > with any engine getting larger bearings, - (Just my opinion)! Check
> > your oil pressure when hot, if it's within spec's then not to worry.
>
>
> I believe that this quote was from John Kipping in Coventry and to
> be honest I wouldn't dismiss anything he says out of hand. He's
> probably rebuilt or otherwise dealt with more spitfire engines
> than the rest of us put together. He's one of the biggest British
> Small chassis Triumph dealers. If you have strings of customers
> coming into your shop telling you that their Spit. 1500 engine has
> thrown its big ends after only 70,000 miles, you begin to see
> patterns which are not obvious when you know of relatively few
> other owners.
> For example we all know of 1500 engines which are still fine after
> 120,000 miles , but that doesn't make it the norm. I've spoken
> to John Kipping about this subject and his opinion is that you can
> preempt crank wear by replacing the shells either at 35,000 mile
> intervals or when you first notice that your oil pressure is getting
> below spec. This can be done without removing the engine in a couple
> of hours. This way the crank will almost last forever, or at least
> until you need a rebore.
> Just my view!
> Jonathan
--
Odd Hedberg
Pomonagatan 4 International liaison secretary,
S-74236 Östhammar Triumph Club of Sweden
Sweden '70 Spitfire Mk3 FD82497LO Signal Red
Club URL: http://www2.passagen.se/triumph/
E-mail: odd@triumphclub.se
Telephone: Int+ 46-1731 7131
Geographical Position: N 60deg15min E 18deg23min
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