1978 Spitfire shuts off while driving.

Asked by Kiko1987 Jun 03, 2024 at 08:36 AM about the 1978 Triumph Spitfire

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Still having issues with my 1978 Spitfire.  It shuts off randomly and then will
only restart after a while of sitting.  It has happened in very hot weather so I
assumed it could be vapor lock. I wrapped the fuel line in heat resistant wrap
but yesterday it occurred again.  Minimal driving, maybe 3 miles max then it
shuts down.  I took photos and videos of the fuel line, fuel filter and ignition.  I
have used premium gasoline and it still happens.  Is it electrical? Any help
would be appreciated. I do not have mechanical experience so would need to
take it to a professional.  It was suggested that I could use a ignition spray to
rule out vapor lock but by the time I towed the car hoe it started up again.  

4 Answers
40,015

beatupchevy answered 5 months ago

You need to test for proper spark , fuel pressure when the problem occurs but without any mechanical knowledge I guess you're S.O.L. When it dies look down the throttle and see if gas squirts from the side when you open the barrels(accererate ) There's gas in the filter but that dooesn' t mean it's getting into and through the carb

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310,265

Gene answered 5 months ago

Sounds spark related to me, does it have solid state or points and condenser ignition?

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40,015

beatupchevy answered 5 months ago

See if there's a condenser under the distributor box and replace it , It's a small silver cylinder

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40,015

beatupchevy answered 5 months ago

Let us know if you fix it , We take the time to help and knowing the results would be nice

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