Triumph Repair: exhaust leak? o-rings? To sell or not to sell?, fuel leaks, static check

Question
Hi,

Just recently bought a '80 Spit. I was told that it had not been started for eight years. I know that is not a good thing. Anyways, cranked it up, and starts up just fine, In fact, it runs quite smooth. Unfortunately, blackish to grey smoke siffers through the exhaust after running a few minutes. Not a good sign I know. Also, there is an exhaust leak near the manifold. At least near a part of the motor which I have no idea of its function. I have looked in parts magazines, like Victoria British, and still have not come up with its name. The unidentifiable part reminds me of a tower that I had seen in Portland, Oregon. It is located about two inches away from the anti-freeze filler cap. I have noticed vapors comming out of this general area. What is up with smoke protruding from the engine compartment? Is it a grenade about to blow? I have not driven it yet. it needs the slave cylinder to be installed. What do you reccommend?

Answer
Black to Grey smoke means too rich; fuel may have seeped into the cylinders & exhaust, and that is causing the problem.  If it continues and doesn't disappear, you likely have a float valve on the carb that is stuck open.

Send a picture (you can attach when you preview your entry) of the part; however, if it is a tower in the middle of the manifold on the same side of the carb, and sticks up higher than the manifolds, that is the EGR valve.

The manifold itself may be cracked, as that is common on these year spits.

It is unlikely it is a grenade about to blow, but, for peace of mind, you do want to check into several things before running again:

-Check compression of the cylinders.
-Check timing (static)
-Check fuel leaks from carb & fuel lines from the pump to the carb
-check emission hoses for missing ones, ones not connected, cracked.
-oil pressure

The emissions gear is likely the source of the vapors you are seeing in combination with a fuel leak.

Make sure you can easily shut off the engine next time you run, and have a charged fire extinguisher in case there is a fuel leak and you have a fire.

After 8 years, I would replace all rubber hoses, and make sure they are all connected in the correct places.



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Black soot is too much fuel; oil dampers (or not enough fluid) would not cause rich running.  A stuck needle/float valve would.  I suggest getting a carb rebuild kit and replace the carb gaskets and clean out the carb.

Emission hoses can vary from car to car; as many past owners have pulled/plugged hoses.   Some take out all the emission gear, but you have to be sure you leave the necessary vaccum connections intact or plugged.