Triumph Repair: Triumph vapor lock, spitfire mk3, spitfire 1500

Question
Howard, I read your answer from 7/3/2007 to Bob about his Spitfire Mk3's fuel problem.  I also have a Spitfire 1500 but the problem is with my '66 Triumph 2000 Mk1. It has the same engine and carbs as the GT6 Mk1. It would not re-start at the gas station last night and had to be towed home. Today it started without ANY changes other than charging the battery. Yesterday it was a hot day and I drove it fast along the interstate at 70mph for 15 miles to get to a station with pure gas (no ethanol). My mechanic (who is a Brit himself) got it running great after a few years of sitting and I have driven it regularly since and to work a few times. Last night when it would not start I tried starter fluid (ether) and still no start. I disconnected the fuel to carb and tested fuel flow (electric pump) which worked. Today I checked for spark at the distributor and got it so tried to start and it did. I read that vapor lock is usually between the tank and the pump or the pump and the carb. So why didn't it start with the ether sprayed in the air filter at the carb?  Does the carb get locked too?  How can I fix this problem when it happens?

Answer
Hi Mike,

If you had a failed start and sprayed starting fluid into the intake and it didn't start, most likely you had a failed ignition system. You should have tested for spark at that time. checking for spark the next day or even later does not test it. Any tests MUST be conducted while in the failed mode.

Spraying starting fluid into the intake is a valid test for a failed ignition system. When an engine fails to start on starting fluid you must test for spark right away. If it is a pointed ignition system you need to first feel the coil to see if it is unusually hot. Then remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and hold it near metal of the engine and turn the key on and remove the small wire from the distributor that comes from the coil and scratch it across the metal of the engine and you should see a small spark from the coil wire to the engine. If an electronic ignition has been installed on the car you may have a failed igniter or coil.

Howard