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Summary of Contents for Triumph Spitfire MK3

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Introduction to give long and consistent trouble-free service, your Spitfire ESIGNED AND BUILD Mk3 also embodies many safety features, the very presence of which will add to your confidence. Read carefully the contents of this book which gives, in the simplest possible terms, information vital to the proper operation, care and regular maintenance of the car.
  • Page 5 LOCATION OF COMMISSION AND UNIT NUMBERS Commission, Paint and Trim Numbers-On L.H. Scuttle Side Panel (May Important be seen by lifting the bonnet) In all communications relating Engine Number-On L.H. side of Cylinder Block to Service or Spares, please Gearbox Number-On R.H. side of Clutch Housing Flange quote the Commission Number Rear Axle Number-On Hypoid Housing Flange (Chassis Number) Paint and...
  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Page Introduction ..........….. Location of Unit Numbers .....…..Controls, Instruments and Indicators ..…..Overdrive ............…. Safety Harness Page ........…. Seats..........……….……. List Locks and Keys........……… Soft Top ..........…..…….. Hard Top ............….. Wheels and Tyres …........…….. Driving from New ........…. Care of Bodywork ........…. Sections Cooling System ..........….
  • Page 7: Controls, Instruments And Indicators

    CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS – RIGHT-HAND STEERING...
  • Page 8 CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS – LEFT-HAND STEERING...
  • Page 9 CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS The controls, instruments and indicators shown on Figs. 2 to 8 and described in the following pages are positioned within easy reach of the driver to afford maximum ease of operation and minimum distraction. The bracketed figures in the text cross-refer with the key on pages 6 and 7 Fuel Gauge (1) at the side corresponding to non-operation of the monitor or a...
  • Page 10 CONTROL, INSTRUMENTS AND IDICATORS The combined ignition and starter switch, Fig. 4, is operated by the key used for locking the driver's door. The switch has four positions: Horn Push (9) 4, auxiliary; 1, off (in which position the key may be withdrawn); 2, Press to operate.
  • Page 11 CONTROLS, INSTRUMENTS AND INDICATORS Release the handbrake by pulling it slightly upwards before depressing the button to free the pawl; then allow the lever to move Move the lever left and forward nd .. downwards to the "off" position. Move the lever left and rearward Move the lever right and forward Heater Blower Switch (15) 4th (Top)
  • Page 12 CONTROL, INSTRUMENTS AND IDICATORS Trip Odometer (22, Fig. 7) engine is accelerated. Should the red light remain on whilst driving, The figures within the aperture above the centre of the dial may a fault is indicated in the battery charging system which should be be used to record the distance of each journey, providing that the rectified without delay.
  • Page 13: Overdrive

    OVERDRIVE OVERDRIVE (optional) the change into, or out of, overdrive to he made when transmitting full power without loss of road speed. The hydraulic control valve is linked to an electro-magnetic An overdrive unit serves as a convenient method of providing, at solenoid, which is operated via a relay by a two-position switch will, a numerically lower overall gear ratio to reduce engine speed mounted on the steering column (Figs.
  • Page 14: Safety Harness

    SAFETY HARNESS SAFETY HARNESS (optional) Provision is made for the use of three-point attachment safety belts; anchorage points are built into the vehicle and are shown on Figs. 12 and 13. Fitting the Harness Remove the shoulder strap anchor bolt, crimped washer and collar from each wheelarch, pass the bolt through the strap attachment, fit the crimped washer and collar, as shown on Fig.
  • Page 15: Seats

    SAFETY HARNESS AND SEATS Harness Adjustment The belt should he adjusted so that the hand will pass between the strap and the chest. The lap strap should be reasonably tight and the buckle must rest on the hip nearer the centre of the vehicle. Adjustment to lower half of belt: Relieve any tension on the belt and pull the belt over the roller in the buckle, the roller has a self-locking action and once the belt...
  • Page 16 LOCKS AND KEYS LOCKS AND KEYS The vehicle is provided with two sets of keys, the spare set being obtained from the selling dealer. One key is used to operate the ignition, the other is for the luggage compartment and door locks.
  • Page 17 LOCKS AND KEYS This permits the bonnet to pivot on its anchorage to a vertical handle counter-clockwise to a vertical position and raise the lid to its position where it is held by a folding strut. limit before lowering it on to the telescopic support. Close the lid by raising it slightly to release the catch in the To close the bonnet, pull the centre of the strut (arrowed Fig.
  • Page 18: Soft Top

    SOFT TOP SOFT TOP The soft top, which is made from P.V.C. material, is supported by a fabric outwards and pull the fabric rearwards over the luggage hinged frame. The assembly folds down into the back of the car and compartment lid.
  • Page 19 SOFT TOP arrowed Fig. 20) forwards as far as possible, and secure the Push the front hoodrail rearwards and slightly upwards while fasteners (Fig. 20). knocking the second hoodstick (arrowed Fig. 20) rearwards, until the assembly begins to fold. DO NOT PULL the second hood- Lowering the Soft Top stick downwards.
  • Page 20 SOFT TOP Tonneau Cover (Optional) (Fig. 26) Retain the hood in position with the cover provided (Fig. 25) as The tonneau cover provides weather protection for the vehicle follows: interior when the soft top is lowered. It incorporates press-studs Attach the cover to the outer fasteners and continue working for securing to the car and a zip fastener which permits access to towards the centre.
  • Page 21 HARD TOP HARD TOP (Optional) The vehicle may be used as an open sports car by removing the hard-top to the windscreen header rail (Fig. 28) and the rear deck hard top assembly as follows: panel (Fig. 29). Unscrew the domed-head bolts securing the hard top side brackets With the aid of a second operator lift off the hard top assembly to the door pillar brackets (Fig.
  • Page 22 WHEELS AND TYRES WHEELS AND TYRES The Jack (Figs. 32 and 33) Spare Wheel and Lifting Jack The tools and spare wheel are housed in the luggage compartment as shown on Figs. 30 and 31. Locate the nut of the fixing bolts (rearwards of the front wheel and forwards of the rear wheel) in the head of the jack for safety NOTE.
  • Page 23 WHEELS AND TYRES Wheel Changing Procedure (Pressed Steel Wheels) Firmly apply the hand brake and chock the wheel diagonally opposite the one being lifted. Remove the spare wheel from the luggage compartment and make sure that its tyre pressure is correct. Using the special lever provided in the tool kit, lever off the nave plate as shown and slightly loosen the wheel nuts.
  • Page 24 WHEELS AND TYRES Wire Spoke 'Wheels (Optional) (Fig. 36) Restraining the wheel with one hand, continue tightening by striking the spanner or the ears of the nut with a soft faced hammer. Before fitting a wheel, check that the adaptor taper (A) and its Lower the wheel to the ground and finally tighten.
  • Page 25 "Spotty" tread wear or flats, can result from grabbing brakes or unbalanced wheel assemblies. Your Standard-Triumph Dealer will check the action of the brakes and re-balance the tyres if required. The original degree of balance is not necessarily maintained, and it may be affected by uneven tread wear, by repairs, by tyre removal and refitting, or by wheel damage and eccentricities.
  • Page 26 WHEELS AND TYRES Excessive wear in the centre of the tread (Fig. 41) results from The following precautions must be observed: over-inflation, in which condition the fabric is more easily damaged. Do not use more than one plug in each hole. Excessive wear at the outer edges of the tread (Fig.
  • Page 27: Driving From New

    DRIVING FROM NEW DRIVING FROM NEW Starting the Engine from Cold establish the cause. Failure to do so may result in serious damage Check, and if necessary top up, the radiator water level and the to the engine. engine oil level. If the car has not been used for several days and fuel has evaporated from the carburettors, refill them by operating After starting the engine, cylinder wear is minimised if the the priming lever on the fuel pump.
  • Page 28 DRIVING FROM NEW valve. Avoid possible damage resulting from such a condition, by 6,000 r.p.m., indicated by the beginning of an orange segment on having the compression pressures checked early in the life of the the tachometer, in any gear. However, whilst accelerating through engine after "running-in"...
  • Page 29 CARE OF BODYWORK CARE OF BODYWORK Washing Polishing Avoid using a dry cloth to wipe dust from the paintwork and After a period of use, the formation of traffic film will cause the chromium surfaces. Dust is an abrasive and if removed in this way it paintwork to lose some of its lustre, even though the vehicle has will scratch the polished surfaces.
  • Page 30 COOLING SYSTEM COOLING SYSTEM The pressurised "no loss" cooling system incorporates a translucent plastic overflow reservoir (Fig. 45) which collects excess coolant from the radiator as the coolant in the system expands with heat. Depression created as the system cools, causes the coolant to flow back from the reservoir into the radiator.
  • Page 31 COOLING SYSTEM Screen Washer (Fig. 46) Filling Close both drain taps, open the heater control fully and remove Examine the water level in the plastic windscreen washer the radiator filler cap. Fill the cooling system with clean (soft) water container. If required, lift off the cap and replenish the container and run the engine at approximately 1,500 r.p.m.
  • Page 32 COOLING SYSTEM advise your Dealer to check the system for leaks before adding Frost Precautions The car heater cannot be completely drained by normal the anti-freeze methods. Therefore frost damage will not be prevented by merely draining the radiator. At certain temperatures glycol water solutions adopt a "mushy"...
  • Page 33: Electrical System

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ELECTRICAL SYSTEM A 12-volt' NEGATIVE earth return system is employed in all circuits shown on Figs. 65 and 66. The system comprises a generator, control unit and battery which supplies current to the ignition system, starter motor, lights and ancillary equipment. To safeguard against damage resulting from a short circuit, always disconnect the negative cable from the battery before removing or disconnecting an electrical component.
  • Page 34 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM from this operation, or for any other reason, clean the affected type voltage and current regulator unit which automatically area with an ammonia moistened cloth. controls the charging rate to suit the needs of the battery. A cut- out device within the regulator unit prevents the battery from If, for any reason, the battery is completely discharged, or being discharged through the generator, when the generator is not...
  • Page 35 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IMPORTANT. Before manually operating the starter solenoid Starter Motor The starter motor, mounted on the rear left-hand side of the make quite sure that the gear lever is in "Neutral" and the engine, is operated by a solenoid switch (Fig. 51) which is handbrake is firmly applied.
  • Page 36 35 amp. operational fuses and two spares at rubber or neoprene to form a high resistive conductor. Replace- positions (4) ment cables should be obtained from a Standard/Triumph Distributor or Dealer and must be of the same length and type as the originals.
  • Page 37 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Windscreen Wiper (Fig. 53) A parking switch is incorporated in the cover of the wiper gearbox. On switching off at the wiper control switch, the motor continues to run until the parking switch interrupts the earth return circuit and stops the motor. The parking position may be adjusted by slackening the screws retaining the cover plate and rotating the domed cover the requisite amount.
  • Page 38 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Temperature and Fuel Gauges A temperature indicator, comprising a transmitter and gauge unit operates on a 10 volts system controlled by a voltage stabiliser. The voltage stabiliser is attached by a screw to the rear of the speedometer, and provides a constant 10 volts supply to a fuel gauge and tank unit.
  • Page 39 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Light Unit Replacement The headlamps are fitted with sealed beam units. Headlamp Headlamp Alignment (Fig. 59) failure necessitates unit replacement. The beam is aligned in the vertical plane by turning the screw (B) at the top of the lamp and in the horizontal plane by turning Remove the snap-on rim by inserting the end of a the screw (A) on the side.
  • Page 40 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Side (P ) and Direction Indicator Lamps ( ) (Fig. 60) Rear Direction Indicator (Fig. 62) arking Front The side and flasher lamp has two bulbs incorporated in the Take out both screws and withdraw the lens to gain same housing.
  • Page 41 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Plate Illumination Lamps (Fig. 64) Remove the screw securing the cover and lens to the lamp body to gain access to the bulb. Instrument Illumination and Warning Lamp Bulbs The bulbs serving instrument illumination and warning lamps, may be renewed by reaching up behind the facia and pulling the bulb-holder from engagement with its housing.
  • Page 42: Bulb Chart

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BULB CHART Lucas Stanpart Lamp Watts Part No. headlamps L.H. Dip - Normal 60/45 54521872 512231 Sweden R.H. Dip - Normal 45/40 510218 France 45/40 510219 Sweden After 1 September, 1967 45/40 510218 U.S.A. 50/40 54522231 -----* Front parking lambs 57591 Front flasher lambs 502379...
  • Page 43 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM...
  • Page 44 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM KEY TO FIG. 65 Generator Plate Illumination Lamp Control Box Front Parking Lamp OVERDRIVE (OPTIONAL) Ignition Warning Light Reverse Lamp Switch Overdrive Relay Battery Reverse Lamp Overdrive Column Switch Ignition/Starter Switch Voltage Stabilizer Overdrive Gearbox Switch 5a. Ignition/Starter Switch- Fuel Indicator Overdrive Solenoid Radio Supply Position...
  • Page 45 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM...
  • Page 46 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM KEY TO FIG. 66 Generator Plate Illumination Lamp Control Box Front Parking Lamp OVERDRIVE (OPTIONAL) Ignition Warning Light Reverse Lamp Switch Overdrive Relay Battery Reverse Lamp Overdrive Column Switch Ignition/Starter Switch Voltage Stabilizer Overdrive Gearbox Switch 5a. Ignition/Starter Switch- Fuel Indicator Overdrive Solenoid Radio Supply Position...
  • Page 47: Routine Servicing

    Owners are urged to seek the assistance of any Standard- Triumph Distributor or Dealer who will be pleased to estimate Engine for the work, which is of such a nature that it should be entrusted When a new car is delivered, the engine sump contains a only to skilled workshop personnel.
  • Page 48 ROUTINE SERVICING PERIODIC CHECKS CAUTION. If the engine is hot, avoid danger from scalding by exercising extreme care when removing the radiator filler Engine-Daily cap. Turn it a half-turn and allow pressure to be fully released Prior to starting out on a long run, or every 250 miles (400 before completely removing the cap.
  • Page 49 ROUTINE SERVICING Screen Washer Examine the water level in the plastic windscreen washer container. If required, unscrew the cap and replenish the con- tainer with clean water. (Refer to page 30). Tyres The maintenance of correct tyre pressures is an important factor governing tyre life, steering behaviour, braking, and riding comfort.
  • Page 50 ROUTINE SERVICING a filler plug orifice until it rests gently on top of the separators. Sufficient water will pour into the cell to bring the electrolyte to its correct level. Check each cell in turn. CAUTION. Never use a naked light when examining the battery.
  • Page 51 ROUTINE SERVICING 1,000 MILES (1600 KM.) (Free Service) The engine sump is initially filled at the factory with a special running-in oil which should be drained after completing the first 1,000 miles (1600 km.) and the sump refilled with one of the high grade oils recommended. During this period many of the components, including the brakes, fan belt, gaskets, studs and nuts, settle down, thus necessitating slight adjustment and an overall check.
  • Page 52 In all cases where unfavourable operating conditions exist, you are advised to consult your Standard-Triumph Distributor or Dealer. Procedure Remove the plug (2), Fig. 73, to drain the oil. Replace the...
  • Page 53 ROUTINE SERVICING Top-up Rear Axle (Fig. 74) Remove the oil level plug (arrowed) and, using the same dispenser as used for topping-up the gearbox, and the same oil, i.e., extreme pressure (Hypoid) lubricant, top up the rear axle until the oil is level with the bottom of the filler plug threads. Allow surplus oil to drain away before refitting the level plug and wiping clean.
  • Page 54 ROUTINE SERVICING Carburettor Dampers (Fig. 76) Unscrew the hexagon plug from the top of each carburettor and withdraw the plug and damper assembly. Top up the damper chambers with the current grade of engine oil. The oil level is correct when, utilizing the damper as a dipstick, its threaded plug is +"...
  • Page 55 ROUTINE SERVICING Distributor (Fig. 78) Release the clips and remove the distributor cap and rotor arm. Apply a few drops of thin oil to points (1), (2) and (3). Lightly grease the cam surface (4) and inject approximately 5 c.c. (one teaspoonful) of engine oil through the hole (5).
  • Page 56 Tyres and Wheel Nuts Examine tyres (page 24); take appropriate remedial action if necessary and have the front and rear wheel alignment checked at your Standard-Triumph Distributor or Dealer. Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Door Strikers, Locks and Hinges Oil and check operation.
  • Page 57 ROUTINE SERVICING 12,000 MILES (20,000 KM.) Every 12,000 miles (20,000km.) or every 12 months, whichever is earlier, carry out the work listed under 6,000 miles (10,000 km.) and the following additional work: Oil Filter (Fig. 83) Unscrew the old filter from the cylinder block and replace it with a new one.
  • Page 58 ROUTINE SERVICING Sparking Plugs Remove and discard the sparking plugs. When fitting re- placements, ensure that they are of the correct type and that the gaps are set to 0.025" (0.63 mm.). Re-connect the leads in the order shown in Fig. 99. Crankcase Breather Valve (Figs.
  • Page 59 ROUTINE SERVICING Water Pump (Fig. 89) Remove the plug and fit a screwed grease nipple. Apply a grease gun, giving five strokes only. Remove the nipple and refit the plug. Steering Unit (Fig. 88) Remove the plug from the top of the unit and fit a screwed grease nipple.
  • Page 60 ROUTINE SERVICING Rear Hubs (Fig. 93) Remove the plug and fit a screwed grease nipple. Apply a grease gun until grease exudes from the bearing. Remove the nipple and refit the plug. Repeat, with the opposite rear hub. Front Hub Adjustment (Fig. 92) If hub end float is apparent, jack up the front of the vehicle, remove the nave plate and road wheel, and prise off the dust cap.
  • Page 61: Running Adjustments

    RUNNING ADJUSTMENTS RUNNING ADJUSTMENTS Valve Seat Attention Occasionally have the compression pressures checked by your Triumph Dealer. Providing the engine is functioning satisfactorily, and the compression pressures of all the cylinders are equal, you are advised not to disturb the engine.
  • Page 62 RUNNING ADJUSTMENTS gap using a feeler gauge between the contacts (1), and retighten screw (2). Renew worn or damaged points. Valve Clearances (Fig. 95) Adjust the rocker clearances to 0.010" (0.25 mm.) (cold). A gauge is provided in the tool kit. Remove the plugs and rotating the engine in a running direction, proceed as follows: Adjust Nos.1 and 3 valves with Nos.8 and 6 valves open.
  • Page 63 RUNNING ADJUSTMENTS Ignition Timing (Static) Remove the distributor cap, adjust the contact breaker gap to 0.0l5" (0.4 mm.) and set the micro-adjuster to its mid-way position. Turn the engine until No.1 piston is at T.D.C. on the compression stroke (see "Top Dead Centre" page 61) and the rotor arm points as shown on Fig.
  • Page 64 RUNNING ADJUSTMENTS Tuning Carburettors (Figs. 100 to 104) Twin carburettor installations cannot be successfully tuned unless the general conditions of the engine, ignition and the fuel systems is satisfactory. Before attempting to tune carburettors, ensure that the engine oil filler cap and the dipstick are both secure, as air drawn into the crankcase will affect the engine slow running.
  • Page 65 RUNNING ADJUSTMENTS When this is satisfactory, adjust the mixture by screwing both (a) If the engine speed increases, the mixture strength of the jet adjusting nuts (3) up or down by the same amount to give the front carburettor is too rich fastest idling speed consistent with even firing.
  • Page 66 RUNNING ADJUSTMENTS When the mixture is correct the exhaust note should be Cleaning Suction Chamber and Piston regular and even. If it is irregular with a splashy type of misfire At approximate intervals of twelve months, detach the piston and with a colourless exhaust, the mixture is too weak. If there is unit.
  • Page 67 RUNNING ADJUSTMENTS Float Chamber Fuel Level (Fig. 107) The level of fuel in the float chamber is adjusted by setting Jet Centralising (Figs. 105 and 106) the float lever on the float chamber lid, as follows :- If the suction piston is lifted and released, it should fall freely and hit the inside "jet bridge"...
  • Page 68 RUNNING ADJUSTMENTS BRAKES (2). Remove the pads (3) from the calipers. Hydraulically operated disc brakes are fitted to the front 4. Push the pistons to the bottom of their cylinders and fit new wheels and drum brakes to the rear wheels. Pressure applied to pads.
  • Page 69 RUNNING ADJUSTMENTS Adjustment (Fig. Ill) NOTE. There is a constant drag on the rear wheels caused by the action of the differential and axle oil. Do not confuse this Excessive foot and handbrake travel indicates the need for with brake drag. rear brake adjustment.
  • Page 70 RUNNING ADJUSTMENTS With the aid of a second operator, proceed as follows: followed by two or three short rapid strokes; then allow the pedal to return to its stop unaided (foot removed). Observe 1. Tighten the rear brake shoes hard against the drum, to reduce the fluid being discharged into the glass container and when the space in the cylinders.
  • Page 71: Recommended Lubricant

    RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS (BRITISH ISLES) – ANTI FREEZE SOLUTIONS...
  • Page 72 RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS (OVERSEAS) – ANTI FREEZE SOLUTIONS...
  • Page 73: Lubrication Chart

    LUBRICATION CHART...
  • Page 74: Lubrication Summary

    LUBRICATION SUMMARY Chart Items Details Page Intervals x 1000 Ref. Ref. Miles Kms. Miles Kms. Steering unit Grease – 5 strokes Carburettor dampers Top up Check and adjust Front wheel hubs Air cleaners Clean Crankcase breather valve Clean Top up Gearbox Rear axle Top up...
  • Page 75 GENERAL SPECIFICATION GENERAL SPECIFICION Engine Four blade l2.l25 in. dia. (308 mm.). Number of cylinders Bore of cylinders. 2.9 in. 73.7 mm Fuel System Tank above rear axle . No reserve tap Stroke of crankshaft. 2.99 in. 76.0 mm Pump A.C.
  • Page 76 GENERAL SPECIFICATION Fuses 35 amps. Pressed steel disc type 3 ½ D rim. Wire Wheels Battery-Type Lucas D.9 spoked wheels (optional). Capacity at 20 hr. rate 40 amps. Hour 5.20S-13 Tubeless. Tyres Plates per cell 1.45-l3 Radial ply (optional). Normal charging rate 3.5 amps.
  • Page 77 GENERAL SPECIFICATION Turning circle 24ft. 7.3 m. Exterior Dimensions Steering unit Rack and pinion 3 turns lock to lock Overall length 12 ft. 3 in. 373 cm. Width 4 ft. 9 in. 145 cm. Suspension Height with load 3 ft. 11.5 in. l20.5 cm.
  • Page 78: Index

    INDEX INDEX page page Accelerator 6, 7, 10 Compression pressures Air cleaners Contact breaker points 54, 60 Air distribution controls Control box Anti-freeze 31, 70, 71 Controls Approved lubricants 70, 71 Cooling system Crankcase breather valve Battery 32, 48 Cylinder head 60, 61 Bleeding the hydraulic systems Blower switch...
  • Page 79 INDEX page page Fanbelt 33, 53 H.T. cables Firing order 62, 74 Hubs-front Flasher unit -rear Free service Frost precautions Ignition -distributor Fuel -recommended -switch -Filler cap -timing -Gauge. -warning light 8, 37 -Pump Interior care Fuses Instruments and indicators Instrument illumination 8, 40 Gauges...
  • Page 80 INDEX page page Number plate illumination Safety harness Screen washer 30, 48 Odometer Seats Oil changes (engine) Servicing -routine Oil filter -periodic Oil pressure switch -free -6000 miles Oil pressure warning lamp -12000 miles Overdrive 12, 51 Side lamps Parking lamps Soft top Pedals Spare parts...
  • Page 81 INDEX page page Timing Water control valve Tonneau cover Water pump Tools Water temperature gauge 9, 37 Trip cancelling control 6, 7, 11 Weekly checks Tyres 24, 48 Weights Unit numbers Wheels -alignment -pressed steel Valve clearance -spare 52, 60 Valve seats -wire spoked Windscreen washer...

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