Triumph Repair: 1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500 frozen engine, triumph spitfire 1500, furry critters

Question
QUESTION: 1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500 left sitting for three years.  Pistons "frozen" in the cylinders.  What can be done to free them, and what should be done to put the car back in running order?  Many thanks.

ANSWER: Joe,

Was the car running when "left to sit" 3 years ago?  That'll be a big factor when it comes time to get it running again.

As to frozen pistons... typically either carbon/oil build up or corrosion of the cylinder walls.  What sometimes works is to pull all 4 spark plugs and pour in some penetrating oil or ATF trans fluid.  Let it sit for a week or two then try to crank the engine over by hand or put the car in 3rd gear and push the car to spin the engine.

If that doesn't do it... time for a tear down and rebuild.


Cheers,

Jim

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Many thanks, Jim.  The car was in good running order when "left to sit" three years ago. --Joe

Answer
Joe,

Keep in mind that the small furry critters love to make nests in Spitfires.. especially up in the dashboard wiring.  

Before actually trying to start the car it's worth taking some time with a flashlight and inspection mirror...and an ohmmeter to check out the wiring.


Cheers,

Jim