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Re: '76 Spit

To: Terry Thompson <tlt@digex.net>
Subject: Re: '76 Spit
From: nolan penney <npenney@erols.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 1997 11:10:23 -0800
Cc: triumphs@Autox.Team.Net
>I've become the recent owner of a '76 spit, and among several
>other problems, I have a quirky little problem with my right
>turn-signal. Unlike the left signal (which flashes a little
>faster than once per second), the right turn signal flashes at
>about once every 3 seconds.  Any ideas as to what might be
>the cause and cure (aside from the explanation that it's "Lucas
>component, learn to live with it.") would be greatly appreciated.

Put your parking lights on, then your hazards, then both.  Walk around the car 
noting which bulbs 
are dimmer then the others.  Therein probably lies your problem.  Especially 
those dual filimant 
bulbs (if you have any, can't remember).  Ground goes bad and they cross over 
to the other 
filiment and ground that way.  Higher resistance, weaker output, slower flash.  
You could also 
have a wrong bulb installed.  Run into that a lot for some reason on 
motorcycles.  That can cause 
the same flashing problem.

>Since I'm asking stupid questions; my speedometer "illumination"
>has gone out (but the gauge still works).  Any hints as to what
>I should look for?

A blown bulb comes to mind. <g>

Also, I was told by the PO that I should use high octane
(92/93) fuel to keep the engine running clean.  But whenever
I drive in my spit, I get out smelling like gas (er..petrol).
Could the gas be too rich?  Am I just wasting money and octane
by using 93? Or is it just a characteristic of the car that
causes the driver to smell like gas?

Higher octane fuel doesn't put a tiger in your tank, no matter what Exxon says. 
 But it can make 
the heart beat easier.  If you're willing to pay the price of the fuel, do so 
and breath easier.  
For my motorcycle, I buy high test to keep my heart from beating fast as I 
worry about what the 
cheap stuff might be doing in that engine.  

As for the smell, is this only on high test, or all the time.  Keep in mind 
where your fuel tank 
is.  If it's an all the time smell, I'd be looking at the tank and its 
connections.  If it's just 
a high test problem, haven't a clue.


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