Triumph Repair: 1980 spitfire, gas tank, fuel line

Question
i am looking at purchasing a 1980 spit, i owned a 1979 a long time ago. loved the car, getting back into the restoration. the seller says it will run and drive fine but then every now and then just quit. he thinks fuel pump but does not know.  any clues? and if so. how easy to replace fuel pump if that is the case? any solutions would be greatly appreciated.. thank u

Answer
Scott,

There are quite a few things that could cause the car to "just quit".

The fuel pump is one.

A partial block of the fuel line.

Sticking or incorrectly set float level in the carb.

Failing Lucas ignition module.

Loose electrical connection anywhere between the ignition switch and the ignition module or coil.

Any other symptoms?  Does it refire immediately?  Need starting ether to restart?  Need a tow home and wait overnight?

The stock fuel pump itself is fairly easy to replace, I'd do some more checking before just replacing it.  

Personally I'd lean to either a failure in the ignition module or blockage in the fuel line(s) from the gas tank.  If you can get some more info it'd help in narrowing down the problem/fix.


Cheers,

Jim