Triumph Repair: Triumph Spitfire firing problems, pencil lead, wd 40

Question
I recently received a 1978 Spitfire 1500 from my uncle. I've only had it for a week but it already has a new battery. It will turn over but it won't fire. Do you have any suggestions. The car has been sitting up for three years. I tried to gravity feed it gas but it still won't fire. Anything would be appreciated. I was also wondering about which mechanic's manual to get.

Answer
Hi Noah,
You need to determine what is missing, fire or fuel. First pull a plug wire and and plug and lay it on a metal part of the engine with the wire connected to it. Have someone spin the starter and watch the plug at the spark. It should be thick as a pencil lead and blue in color. (not in bright sunshine) If you have a good thick blue spark put the plug bake in and wire on and spray either starting fluid or WD-40 into the intake to see if it tries to start. If it does try to start check fuel pressure with a gauge. 1.5 to 3 PSI should be ok.
Let me know,
Howard