Triumph Spitfire & Herald

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Failure to re-lubricate regularly will lead to rapid wear and seizure/shearing off of the lower (threaded) end of the vertical link.

Engine

All are overhead valve (pushrod), in-line four-cylinder types.
Spitfire:
Mark 1, 1962-65: 1147cc, 63bhp
Mark 2, 1965-67: 1147cc, 67bhp
Mark 3, 1967-70: 1296cc, 75bhp
Mark IV, 1970-74: 1296cc, 63bhp
1500, 1974-80: 1496cc, 75bhp
Herald:
948cc single carburettor, 34.5bhp
948cc twin carburetor, 42.5bhp
1147cc to November 1964, 39bhp
1147cc from November 1964, 48bhp
1147cc 12/50, 51bhp
1296cc, 61bhp

Valve Clearances

Inlet and exhaust, 0.010in. (cold). Adjustment is by conventional screw and locknut. Use the so-called ‘Rule of 9’ (that is to say, in each case the sum of the valve numbers is nine). Check/adjust valve No. 1 with No. 8 fully open, No. 2 with 7 open, No. 3 with 6 open, and so on

Lubrication

Engine oil: Ideally change the oil and filter at least every 3000 miles or annually (whichever comes first). Use premium quality, SAE15W50, 20W50 or 20W60 oil. Please dispose of old oil in an environmentally friendly manner - local councils provide waste oilcollection points for this purpose. Drain/refill capacity, approx: Mark 1/2: 7 pints (4 litres) Mark 3/IV: 8 pints (4.54 litres) 1500: 9.5 pints (5.4 litres)
Gearbox oil: Check/top-up the oil level at least every 3000 miles or annually (whichever comes first); check for leaks from around the unit, and investigate a need for frequent topping-up. Use SAE90EP oil. Every 24,000 miles (approx.) drain the old oil after a long run, and re-fill with fresh lubricant. If overdrive is fitted, every 12,000 miles remove/clean the gauze filter at the base of the unit. Capacity, approx: 1.5 pints (0.85 litres), or 2.38 pints (1.35 litres) if overdrive is fitted - but it’s 2.75 pints (1.56 litres) for a 1500 with overdrive.
Differential oil: Check/top-up the oil level at least every 3000 miles or annually (whichever comes first); investigate a need for frequent topping-up. Use SAE90EP oil. If a drain plug is fitted to the differential casing, every 24,000 miles (approx.) drain the old lubricant after a long run, and re-fill with fresh gear oil. Capacity (approx.): 1.0 pint (0.57 litres).
Front trunnions/swivels: At least every 3000 miles or annually (whichever comes first), re-lubricate with EP90 oil (or multi-purpose, lithium-based grease), with the suspension hanging freely (raise the car under the chassis). Note 1: In order to facilitate re-lubrication of these components, it may be necessary to remove blanking plugs (where fitted), and in their places to install lubrication nipples. Note 2: Failure to re-lubricate regularly will lead to rapid wear and seizure/shearing off of the lower (threaded) end of the vertical link.
Rear wheel bearings: Every 12,000 miles, re-lubricate the bearings with grease specifically stated as being suitable for wheel bearing use. Note - it may be necessary to remove blanking plugs and replace them with lubrication nipples. Whatever, apply grease until it visibly emerges from the bearings. Steering rack: Every 12,000 miles, re-grease the steering rack via a grease-point at the base of steering column. DO NOT over-lubricate.
Other aspects: Every 3000 miles, clean/re-grease the handbrake operating linkage. Every 12,000 miles, re-lubricate the dynamo’s rear bearing (with a few drops of engine oil), and – where a lubrication point is fitted - re-lubricate the water pump (use special water pump grease).

Ignition System

Firing order: 1-3-4-2 (No. 1 cylinder at front)
Spark plugs: Mark 1 and 2, NGK BP6HS or equivalent. Mark 3 and IV, NGK BP6ES or equivalent. 1500, NGK BP5ES or equivalent. Gap 0.025in. Check/clean the plugs every 6000 miles or annually (whichever comes first); renew regardless every 12,000 miles.
Contact points: Gap 0.015in. (Mark 2, 0.020in.) corresponding with dwell angle reading of 36 +/- 1 degrees (1967 and earlier cars), or 41 +/- 1 degrees (1968/69 examples), or 39 +/- 1 degrees (Mark IV), or 51 +/- 5 degrees (1500). In each case, check/clean the contact points every 3000 miles or annually (whichever comes first); renew the points regardless every 6000 miles. Distributor cap, rotor arm and high tension leads: Every 3000 miles, clean and check condition, ensuring that all connections are sound. Distributor - mechanical aspects: Every 3000 miles, remove rotor arm and apply a few drops of engine oil to the moving contact pivot, distributor shaft/cam bearing and mechanical advance mechanism (via holes in distributor’s baseplate). SPARINGLY apply grease to the distributor cam.
Timing (static): Early cars: 8 degrees before top dead centre (BTDC); refer to timing marks on the crankshaft pulley and timing case. 1964/5, 13 degrees BTDC. 1965/66, 17 degrees BTDC. Mark 3, 6 degrees BTDC. Mark IV, 8 degrees BTDC. 1500, 10 degrees BTDC (dynamic setting also 10 degrees BTDC, at 650-850 rpm).

Fuel System

Every 3000 miles or annually (whichever comes first): Examine all fuel system pipework, runs and connections, Check/top up carburettor dashpots (SAE 20 oil or similar). After the valve clearances and all ignition settings have been checked/reset as required, and with the engine at normal running temperature, re-adjust the carburettor mixture/idle speed settings (use proprietary do-it-yourself equipment for synchronising the twin carbs).Aim for an idle speed of approximately 550 rpm (Mark 1 and 2 cars) or 750-850 rpm (Mark 3/IV), or 650-850 rpm (1500). (Note: CO reading at idle speed for 1500 should be 2.5 to 4.5 per cent). Every 6000 miles: Clean/lightly re-oil gauze type air filter elements; (renew paper type filters every 12,000 miles, or sooner if visibly dirty; check every6000 miles). Ensure that all breather pipework and (where fitted) the diaphragm within the capsule on the inlet manifold are clean.

Cooling System

All year round, use quality anti-freeze mixture containing corrosion inhibitors. Every 3000 miles/annually, closely inspect the radiator, all hoses and the water pump/fan. At least every three years, fully drain the system, remove the thermostat and reverse-flush the system prior to re-filling with fresh anti-freeze mixture (observe the dilution recommendations provided by the anti freeze manufacturer; these specs are usually printed on the anti-freeze container). Cooling system capacity, including heater system (approx.): 9.5 pints (5.4 litres), but Mark 3/IV and 1500, 8 pints (4.54 litres).

Brakes

At least every 3000 miles or annually (whichever comes first): Examine the front brake pads and discs, also remove the rear brake drums and inspect the rear brake shoes, cylinders and drums. Check also all the brake pipes/flexible hoses and master cylinder. Renew any ailing components AT ONCE. AVOID INHALING DUST FROM THE PADS/SHOES – THIS MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS. Adjust the rear brake shoe to drum clearance as required (rotate the adjusters on the backplates), then check the handbrake operation and re-adjust the cable length if necessary (at the clevis behind the operating lever). Check the tightness of the front caliper securing bolts. At least every two years, change the brake fluid.

Other Aspects

Every 3000 miles, or annually (whichever comes first):Look closely around the fan belt (renew if damaged) and re-tension if necessary (aim for approximately 3/4 in. deflection at the centre of the belt run between the crankshaft and dynamo pulleys). Check the front hub bearing condition/free play (re-adjust as required). Examine the steering rack gaiters for splits/leaks (renew at once if damaged or aged). Inspect the clutch hydraulic system for deterioration/leaks. Repair as soon as possible. Check the cleanliness and security of all electrical connections and make good any that are suspect. Inspect all electrical wiring for damage/ageing. Assess the condition and security of all the running gear components and suspension mounting bushes and repair before deterioration worsens. Inspect the chassis and underbody for damage, and rectify any paint blemishes discovered. Check all universal joints in the driveline for wear/damage. Inspect the exhaust system for ageing and damage, including the mountings. Check the condition and security of all wheel nuts. On wire wheels, check spokes for breakages and tension and repair wheels as soon as possible.