TRIUMPH 2000/2500
Tempted by one of these Triumph saloons? Here’s what to look for if you spot one in our classifieds
LOOK FOR ANY CORROSION
Start with the sills and budget £2000 a side if repairs are needed. Pay particular attention to the sill jacking points and the drain holes alongside – corrosion here can be a gateway to worse inside. Front wing seams are another corrosion weak point and you’ll need to make sure that you examine the A-posts and windscreen surrounds because repairs here are tricky and costly. Panels, including wings and sills, are being remanufactured, however.
CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT
Excessive end float on the crankshaft is a symptom of worn thrust washers, which can eventually fall out, causing catastrophic engine damage. Check for this by moving the bottom crank pulley in and out to feel for play; better still, ask a helper to depress the clutch while you watch for movement. Finding the problem early could mean putting it right will cost only a few hundred pounds to fit new washers instead of rebuilding (or replacing) the engine.
IS IT DAMP INSIDE?
A design fault with windscreen rubbers results in water in the footwells, so check for damp carpets and the floorpans for corrosion. The boot floor also rots out, so lift the rear seat cushion to check. Cars should also be checked for corrosion in the roof and rear quarters, particularly estate models, because specialist repairs will make costs untenable. Also take a good look at the double-skinned front wheelarches, door bottoms and rear valance.
SEE HOW THE SEATS ARE
Vinyl and leather seats tend to last well but those covered in cloth are prone to wear – particularly the rear seats, which suffer sun damage on their tops. Fortunately, good secondhand stock is available and even the most expensive sets cost only £200. Seat diaphragms are now being remanufactured along with plastic and vinyl trim parts (see chriswitor.com) and new carpet sets are also available
IS IT FUEL-INJECTED?
PI models’ Lucas mechanical fuel injection became infamous for overheating and failure – and Triumph quietly returned to carburettors for the 2500TC and 2500S. However, PIS are highly sought-after today because of their enhanced performance and scarcity. When set up correctly, the injection system performs well, but look for excessive fuel consumption, uneven running, lack of power, starting issues and the engine stalling in hot weather.