Triumph Repair: 1977 spitfire, odd noises, valve clearance

Question
my spitfire has set idle for 17 years. was told it was parked running fine. engine looks clean and stable. poured small amount of mystery oil in cyliders and in rocker cover  and let set for a week. emptied gas tank cleaned lines and carb fuel pump works well floats operational and not sticking nor is needle valve. put in temporary battery and engine turned over and sounds well. would not start. poured less than a bottle cap of fresh gas in throat of carb and started right up long enough to burn that gas  .that was the only time it did.will not start again.have spark at each plug when it turns over.checked individually.no odd noises when it ran the first time just cut off.not a gear head but would appreciate any assistance,thanks

Answer
Hi Joep,
It sounds like you need to test the mechanical fuel pump as the diaphragm can be hardened and not moving to pump fuel or possibly the fuel pump valves are stuck.
As for the noise you should have spun the engine over until you see oil pressure before you start an engine that has been setting that long. It should pump 25 to 35 PSI with the starter with the plugs out. If the oil pressure is ok then you should remove the valve cover and adjust the valve clearance. Started the oil pressure should be 50 PSI and above at a fast idle.
Howard