Triumph Repair: Spitfire engine, differential problems, best bet

Question
I have a 1974 Spitfire. Is it possible for it to have an original 1300 motor in it?  Engine block is stamped FK that's code for 1300 motor. Also have a jingling sound coming from rear end or axels got any idea what the heck it could be? It happens as I accelerate. You cabn post on message board.

Answer
Jimbo,

The US spec Spitfires had the 1500 in 1973 and 1974 whereas the non-US Spitfires of those years still had the 1300.  If your car is not a US model from 1974 then the 1300 would be original.

Then again the car is 31 years old.  How much of it's history do you know?

A "jingling" sound from the rear end sounds like possibly an exhaust hanger/bracket is loose.  Typically differential problems or u-joints will "thunk" instead.

Best bet is to jack the rear end of the car up using proper jack stands to support the weight.  Poke around to see what's loose.

Another possibility is that the motor mounts/trans mount may be loose or failing and the whole drivetrain is moving around a bit on acceleration.


Cheers,

Jim