Triumph Repair: triumph 1973 spitfire 1500 backfire, vacuum leaks, vacuum line

Question
i just purchased this car it was running fine at purchase and now it is sputtering and backfiring even in lower gears........where do i start

Answer
Andy,

It's either ignition or fuel. Go for the basics first.

Ignition:  Verify all 4 cylinders are firing.  Check the dynamic timing with a timing light.  Check the vacuum line from the carb to the distributor, make sure it's not leaking.  

Check out the points, clean and reset.  Check the spark plugs, it is burning lean or rich?

Carb:  Top up the dashpot.  Lubricate the linkages.  Check for vacuum leaks.


Cheers,

Jim