Triumph Repair: Stripped Sump bolt hole, torque specs, bolt holes

Question
Jim,

I recently picked up a winter project - 76 Spit, my first sports car.  While replacing the sump, I found that the front bolt holes do not hold up to the shop manual torque specs.  I stripped one of the holes that goes into the Front Sealing Block.  Is there an easy way to remove the front sealing block or do I need to pull the engine because the frame cross member is in the way?

Thanks in advance,
Adam

Answer
Adam,

It may be possible to remove the front sealing block with the engine in place, but as you've realized it will be much easier to do the job properly with the block out of the car.

One advantage of the Spitfire is that the drivetrain is very easy to remove as compared to most small cars.


Cheers,

Jim