Anthony,
I may be able to help
The stock filter is located in the trunk, behind the fuel tank fiberboard
cover. It's located just above the grommet, where the fuel line goes
through the trunk floor. If there's a secondary filter between the pump
and the carb, chances are it was installed by the PO, probably because he
was unable to locate the OEM unit. Two filters aren't going to hurt any
thing, but not really necessary.
> 1. I bought a new (metal) fuel filter yesterday; but today, when
> I was staring at the engine, I noticed there was a second fuel filter
> between the fuel pump and the carburator. My books don't mention this
> second filter. Did someone have a good reason for putting this in?
> What was it? Can anybody suggest a replacement part #, or should I
> just replace it with hose?
The other end of the warm air intake is supposed to attached to an air
box that's part of the OEM ('75-'76) exhaust. Do you still have the
original exhaust, or are you running an aftermarket header? Later Spits,
with a cat converter seem to have done away with that box because there
was no room on the pipe. I think (becaruse I'm an '72 and '73 driver) the
catalytic cars simply relied on the warm air rising from the converter to
operate the bi-metal valve. Perhaps someone with a later car can supply
you with a more definate arrangement.
> 2. The bi-metallic strip for the air intake valve has snapped, and the
> metal flap just bounces around. I will probably get a new one soon, and
> while I'm at it, replace the air intake hose. My air intake hose is
> very short. It looks like it should be much longer. Where is the intake
> portion supposed to end up?
On both of my Spits, one with a plastic and one with the OEM fiberboard,
I've cut a 4" round hole (with a hole saw) adjacent to the filler plug
(about 1/2" up and 1" back from the cover's lower corner, on the
passenger side). When not needed I cover the hole with an aluminum plate,
secured to the tunnel cover with four screws, going into speed nuts
spaced around the hole. When I need to check oil level, I pull back the
carpet, remove the screws and plate, leaving easy access to the plug.
> 3. I was going to top up the gearbox oil myself and crawled under the
> car for the first time. I had the front up on safety stands. It took
> me a minute to find the plug, and boy is it ever tricky to get to. I
> didn't feel very comfortable lying underneath the car, so I bailed out
> and am getting the mechanic on the corner to do the job. :-) I'd like
> to feel comfortable doing this job myself. Are ramps safer than
> stands? Are there any tricks that make this job easy?
>
> As always - feel free to point out the obvious.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Anthony
> '79 Spitfire 1500 (daily driver).
>
> --
> Anthony Green Cygnus Solutions
> Sunnyvale, California
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