Section : Gearbox

Sparks Flying

Posted By : Robert Luckwell, 15-Jul-2007, 09:25pm

• Sparks Flying

  Posted By : John Davies, 15-Jul-2007, 10:09pm

  Robert,
  Almost certainly poor engine earthing. Triumph provided a manky little braided lead that should go between engine and the blanking plug that you take out to grease the steering rack (yes, really!). It is often forgotten or broken and then any electrical return from the engine must get past the rubber mounts. Often it does so by choke or throttle cables, which can get burning hot, especially just after starting.
  Your overdrive sparks because it just happens to be close to the floor pan.
  Fit a substantial cable between the engine and the bulkhead. "Substantial" means starter cable grade.
  Scrape the engine block and the bulkhead under the end of the cable down to bare metal, to ensure good contact.
  A little copper-ease under the cable end will prevent corrosion and not interfere with conduction.
  
  Now ask me how I know!
  
  John

• Sparks Flying

  Posted By : Chris Taylor, 15-Jul-2007, 10:14pm

  Sounds like the engine earth strap isn't doing its job.

• Sparks Flying

  Posted By : Robert Luckwell, 16-Jul-2007, 07:31am

  Thanks gentlemen I will try this at the weekend
  as my vit hasn,t been driven yet is o/drive on/off with lever up/down sparks got greater when lever was moved.
  I appreciate the help with this my first problem posted.I am sure there will be lots to follow as gradualy re-commissioning the car.
  
  how do you know, did it involve smoke? as I thought the sparks would quite easily cause a lovely bonfire.
  
  cheers