Triumph Repair: triumph spitfire 1500, triumph spitfire 1500, starter solenoid

Question
QUESTION: Hey. So I have a spitfire 1500 and have some weird problems that my mechanic claims arent there.  First off, if I drive it on the highway at around 3500 rpm i feel a sharp vibrating in the gas pedal if i push it past 4000 though this vibration goes away.  Second, after driving on the highway for a while, if i park for like an hour, when i come back and try to start it, all I hear is the ignition relay switch, I dont even hear the starter going.  Third, after it does get started, i choke it until it idles fine and where it is supposed to and I let it run until the temperature goes up a bit, but then when i start to drive it, it jerks back and forth, and the more gas i give it the more the revs die.  Ive checked the fuel pump, and ignition timing.   My mechanic says he doesnt notice any of these problems.  Ive noticed it only happens after driving it for a long period then letting it sit which he's obviously never been able to do.

Thanks. Daniel

ANSWER: Daniel,

The vibration on the highway at 3500 rpm is likely caused by more than one thing in the drivetrain (engine, driveshaft, wheels/tires) being just a bit out of balance and at that rotation speed the vibrations combine constructively.  At very least it can't hurt to have the wheels rebalanced.

You might also want to install a voltmeter to make sure the battery is being properly charged.  The solenoid click/no starter is a sign that either the battery voltage is too low, the starter solenoid isn't making good contact or the starter motor itself is starting to go.

As to the driveability after letting the car sit, go through and do basic maintanence.  Take a good look at the spark plugs and see if the mixture appears to be correct.  If not, then you may need to do a bit of work on the carb.


Cheers,

Jim

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

QUESTION: Thanks a lot for your reply, the wheels definately need to be rebalanced and alligned because I can see uneven wear on them.   The battery is brand new, and so is the starter...the weird thing about the click is that if I try like 2 times itll click, then nothing will happen if i keep trying.  if I wait like 30 secs to one minute, then the car will start and evreything will go.   The carb seems perfect I went through it and adjusted the needle and all that, could it be that i just havent ,let the car heat up enough?

ANSWER: Daniel,

It could be the ignition switch itself giving problems.  Another test is to put a voltmeter on the lead to the starter relay and see if you're getting good voltage to kick the relay.

As to the driveability, it could be that you need to let the car warm up a bit more.  You might also check the ignition timing and verify that it's correct.


Cheers,

Jim

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

QUESTION: hello, one more question! Thanks so much for your previous replies.
I have a soft top roof that my incompetant mechanic didnt have time to install on my frame and I needed the car back so I couldn't leave it with him, now I am stuck doing it on my own because hes way to far away for me to take my car to and leave it with again.  So the buttons attach it to the actual car body, then buttons in the middle attach it to the middle part of the soft top frame....but there are no buttons on the front part of it...so my question is, how do I attach the soft top to the front of the frame.  

Answer
Daniel,

If you remove the rubber seal at the soft top header (the part that attaches to the windshield frame) you'll find the metal channels that hold the rubber seal are pop riveted to the header piece.  Drill out the pop rivets (1/8" drill bit normally does it) and the soft top material is released.

The only suggestion I'll give is to fit the soft top on a cold cloudy day.  When it's warm and you put the soft top up it may be a bit loose... but when you really really need it (rain storm impending) you'll be able to fit the top up without problem.


Cheers,

Jim