Video 16. First part of the engine rebuild of a Triumph Spitfire 1500 for my Gentry kit car.

[@johngiven427]

Thanks again for the memory Graham. Boy, does it take me back to the 60's and 70's working at a Triumph Dealership in Edinburgh. To be honest I had forgotten about the wooden block seals and it made me smile. If my memory serves me correctly, Triumph also introduced little wooden wedges which were fixed in between the heater pipes / bulkhead on the fwd 1300 to stop them sqeaking. Yep, you can't beat Good old British Engineering Eh. ! ! I am still a big fan of Triumph Motor Co. Can't wait to see the finished article. Keep those videos coming mate. John, Perth Western Australia.

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi John and thank you for that great comment! 👍🏻. This will be my 3rd Triumph engine I’ve rebuilt, my first was when I was 18 back in the late 60’s, that was when I first came across those wooden sealing blocks - I couldn’t believe it! 😂😂. I’m hoping to have the engine and gearbox complete and in the by about next weekend so there will be a few more videos coming along during the week showing the gradual completion until it’s in the chassis. So stay tuned, it should be a fun ride! 👍🏻👍🏻. Cheers for now mate. ………..Graham

[@peterthomas7203]

Lovely job Graham. Reminds me of attempting to rebuild a 1300 Spitfire engine in my teens, as each piston was installed, it got tighter and tighter so by number four, it was locked solid! 😆. I knew nothing about gapping piston rings then, and they must have been the wrong size after the rebore. Unfortunately the engine was dumped under the bench and I picked up a rusty Spitfire with a (relatively) sound engine. Those were the days when every scrapyard had at least a few Spitfires or Heralds ripe for plunder! Looking forward to the next video.. Cheers, Pete 😊

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi Peter and thank you for the comment and yes, I can remember those days too, many rusted out Spitfire’s and Heralds to choose from back in those days. As you saw in the video, I took my time in turning the crank each time I tightened any of the bolts, if it had tightened then it was easy to pinpoint where it had tightened and why - something you learn as you get older I guess! 😂. The next video should be tackling the rear and front end of the block with the seals and timing chain and hopefully the installation of the cylinder head and sump. Cutting lawns today so no work on this which is a shame so I will have to wait until tomorrow before I start back work on it. 😢. Cheers for now mate. ……….. Graham

[@Poppop-el3jc]

God Job Son Good Job I have worked on a lot of older heavy equipment with graphite seals but never wood So its true that you can teach an old dog new tricks THANKS

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi mate and thanks for the comment and it doesn’t matter how old I get, I’m always learning most days! 👍🏻. I can’t remember what car I was working on but I remember it had a carbon or graphite clutch thrust bearing - that was a long time ago now! 😂😂. Cheers for now buddy. ……….. Graham

[@trainmanbob]

40:30 just as you said not a minute over 30 mins...10 instead!!lol Fantastic video Graham. Who knew about the existence of the two wooden wedges....I certainly didn't. If any young kids want to learn about restoring old cars without becoming a full time mechanic, I think you just found the man to follow!! Cheers, Bob

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Yeah I know mate, it’s amazing how time flies when you’re enjoying yourself! 😂 Thank you for those kind words my friend, they are greatly appreciated. 👍🏻 Cheers for now mate. …………..Graham

[@SaltleyLad]

I have learned more about car building in your videos than in more than 50years of driving. Wood in the engine what an eye opener.👍

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi Barry and thank you for the comment, it’s nice to know that folk are gleaming a little information from these videos, it makes it even more worthwhile - more to come this week as I progress on the engine build. Cheers for now mate. ………….. Graham

[@Rock_God]

Enjoyed the late night video, Graham. Always reminded of my younger days working with cars. It’s amazing how much I remember as well as how much I have forgotten. 😂 The thing I notice today with folks working with mechanicals, is the wearing of gloves; something that was not done back in the day. Even now, I prefer working with bear hands as I lose the ‘feel’ with gloves. I guess it’s all about health and safety, now. I just love hearing about ‘thous’ and ft/lbs in this world of metric, but that is showing my age. Catch you again next time, Graham. Best, Jason.

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi Jason and I know what you mean about wearing gloves, I’m not that keen on wearing them myself but they do tend to keep your hands a bit cleaner and do offer some form of protection too but you’re right, you do tend to loose out on the ‘feel’ of things. I’m old school in my 70’s so thous and ft/lbs are my language ! 👍🏻. Cheers for now mate. …………. Graham

[@onnomulder9775]

Awesome update Graham!!! Well done mate and thanks for sharing this video. Cheers Onno.

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Thank you very much Onno for yet another comment, these comments are greatly appreciated sir. 👍🏻. Cheers for now mate. ……….. Graham

[@markfisher8206]

George it’s still leaking! I know we will cut slots and bang in some wooden wedges! I saw it done on a Sopwith Camel engine! Who would believe! Another great video Graham!

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi Mark and and thank you, sometimes these old antiquated designs are absolutely fine, they just look a bit strange against todays offerings but they work! 👍🏻 Cheers for now mate. ……….. Graham

[@ChrisWadsworth]

Graham. Your video reminds me why I was 22 years a Mechanic, when we did engine and gearbox rebuilding. Great video, keep it going, I would like to see the wide grin on you face when the engine 1st starts. Chris

[@mygentrybuild1974]

I tell you what Christopher, you will certainly see that big grin when it (if) does start! 😂😂. I would like that to happen within the next month if I can do it but I’m not going to rush it - as and when will do for me. 😉. Cheers for now mate. …………Graham

[@RobertEHunt-dv9sq]

Graham, excellent effort and video. Enjoy watching while having a coffee. I’ve got three Spitfire race engines to build for my vintage Spit. Never get tired of this work. I guess we can call it our legacy for our grandchildren. Cheers from Texas.

[@normanrowe2831]

Hi Graham. I watched this on my TV earlier. It was quite fascinating for me. I have absolutely no mechanical abilities. I was never a “ shade tree mechanic.” That’s an American expression, for someone working on their vehicle in their yard. But……I do enjoy learning from someone who is a patient teacher. Thanks. It’s getting there. See ya next time.

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi Norman and I just love that phrase, never heard of that before but it’s a great description! 😂. Anyway, glad you enjoyed it, that’s the main thing and thank you for watching it and the comment too. Cheers for now mate. ……….. Graham

[@wartington1]

Thank you for another informative video. Sounds silly I know but when I watch a video of yours I feel like making or building something!!! Cheers.

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi Anthony and thanks for the comment and I’m pleased that you enjoyed. I have the same thing as you when I watch others on KZbin building their cars or anything else for that matter, it spurs me on to do something, in this case my kit car but there is also my model railway, gardening etc, so you are not alone there my friend. 👍🏻. Cheers for now mate. ……………Graham

[@curtisdeering9609]

I enjoyed watching your part 1 of engine rebuild of triumph spitfire 1500. Really felt I was learning a lot. Can't wait for part 2.

[@PhilPage227]

Great video to watch Graham almost hypnotic.

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi Philip and thank you for those kind words, much appreciated and pleased that you enjoyed it. Cheers for now mate. ……….. Graham

[@wally1022]

Hi Graham, reminds me of my apprenticeship ... loved the old engines "solid and workable" unlike the engines of today! Cheers from down under. Wally

[@mygentrybuild1974]

HinWally and that’s exactly why I chose the old Triumph engine - I can work on it! I could have had a choice of various modern engines like the Mazda MX5 etc but they all have ECU’s and electronics which just leave me cold and out of my comfort zone - give me the older engines and I’m happy! Cheers for now mate. …………Graham

[@erichall4458]

Fantastic video very methodical I do really do look forward to your videos

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Thank you very much for your kind comment Eric, being methodical is the only way I can work, I can’t work in an uncontrolled mess, it does tend to drive some people crazy if they work along side me though! 😂😂. Anyway, hopefully part 2 will be up in a couple of days time once I’ve got some home chores completed first - like two large lawns to mow, oh joy of joys! 😂😂. Cheers for now mate. …………Graham

[@SteamerEdge]

Hi Graham, so interesting watching you rebuilding the engine, I admire your relaxed, methodical and meticulous approach, I always used to get hot under the collar at some point ( a personality defect which has only mellowed slightly with age :-)) ) when working on my old Land Rover or Motor Bikes and the result was I always left some step out or assembled something incorrectly which made it necessary to disassemble and try again. Love watching this old Triumph engine getting a face lift and learning about it at the same time. Thanks Cheers Paul

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Thank you so much for that very kind comment Paul, it really is greatly appreciated mate. Well I hope I don’t leave anything out in the process of this build but there is so much that it’s quite possible but with frequent checks and double checks then at least it makes it less likely so. As long as it doesn’t go bang when I start it up then I’ll be happy! 😂😂. Cheers for now mate. …………. Graham

[@Georgeolddrones]

Thanks for the video excellent job 👍🇬🇧

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi George and thank you for the comment and I’m pleased that you enjoyed it. Cheers for now mate. …………Graham

[@stephenriley9084]

Graham, A good watch! Thanks. Regards Stephen.

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Many thanks Stephen and I’m pleased that you thought it was a good watch. 👍🏻. Cheers for now mate. …………..Graham

[@BEAR_UK]

I remember in my parts training that it became a whole thing about the accuracy of feeler gauges based on temperature. But my argument was that if everything was at the same temperature then it shouldn’t matter. I don’t know why I shared that. Just wanted to as for me it was a hilarious memory. That block looks brand new, amazing. This engine is going to run as sweet as a nut.

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi mate and any shared knowledge is welcome and you’re right about the temperature and feeler gauges which is why there is normally a degree of variants in sizes to allow for ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ as in tappet clearances when the engine is hot or cold - they can vary from quit a few thou. I have spent a lot of time preparing the block as I wanted it to look smart when installed into the car, because I know how it will look when it’s finished then it will look fantastic - wait and see the finished result which I’m hoping will be by the end of the week. More videos to come for the next stage of the build in a couple of days. 👍🏻. Cheers for now mate. …………. Graham

[@peterwardle572]

Interesting, things have moved on a bit since that was designed. I am a little surprised that the big end bolts did not have tab washers or thread lock applied, Triumph were very trusting of their assembly. You are pushing me on to get on with my project car.

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi Peter, yes things have moved on but in a way I like this method as it’s so basic and simple compared to modern stuff which I wouldn’t touch - to me this is just basic engineering, it may seem antiquated but it works and if done correctly then you won’t get oil leaks. No tab washers or thread lock but the bolts still stay where they should. Glad to know that I’m pushing you on with your project car, I hope to get the engine finished by the end of the week if time allows. Cheers for now mate. ……….. Graham

[@tomcupples6400]

A good days work Graham. Regards Tom

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Thanks Tom and I enjoyed that and also made good progress too. Cheers for now mate. …………Graham

[@Wickford_N_Gauge]

Greetings Graham 🌞 it will be a shame to put a body on this in the end 😲 this metal work is as beautiful as the Scoot was 😇 very best wishes from the Emerald Isle ☘️

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi Paul and thanks, I know what you mean about hiding this all up with the body but for me its knowing that everything (as far as my ability allows) is in good shape and that there are no dramas hiding beneath a nicely painted and polished body. Also it’s a hobby and I’m so enjoying this build so far and part of the enjoyment is seeing looking the way it does, hopefully something to be proud of which I am at the moment. I’m scheduled to have the engine and gearbox complete and fitted into the chassis for the last time by next Sunday - hopefully I can accomplish that. 👍🏻👍🏻. Cheers for now mate. ……….. Graham

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on the channel thanks lee

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi Lee and thank you. 👍🏻. Cheers for now mate. …………. Graham

[@RobbieSongwriter]

Very interesting, the many details you have to take care of. Wouldn't want to tackle this without the myraid jig-a-ma-bobs you have. That thing that holds the block seems essential. What happened with the larger engine you were going to use? Looking forward to more episodes.

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi Robert and thanks for the comment, the 6 cylinder TR6 engine (and it’s gearbox) is in the corner of the garage waiting for me to start the exact same process as what I’m doing on this engine, so it’s not forgotten about - just waiting there silently ready for me to start work on it. I have acquired so many tools over the years of working on cars, albeit in an amateur way as just a bloke in a garage kind of way. The engine stand is a new tool which I wish I had bought before because it makes life so easy when rebuilding the engine, also as it’s on wheels I can just roll it away out of site after a days work and put the cars back in the garage again - it’s a good system! 👍🏻👍🏻. Cheers for now mate. ………… Graham

[@RobbieSongwriter]

@@mygentrybuild1974 Thanks Graham! Good to know the TR6 engine is not abandon. I cannot imagine doing this job without that new stand. WOW! Of course, when we were younger we could use brute force to accomplish stuff. LOL

[@mygentrybuild1974]

@@RobbieSongwriter Indeed Robert but as we get older then we need all the help we can get and this engine stand is a great help and makes my life so much easier. 😉👍🏻

[@davidsaunders2906]

Small tip for watchers.When measuring ring gap use the upturned piston to lower the ring to its mid operating position in the bore before measurement.This ensures it's optimum diameter and that its level in the bore .

[@54mgtf22]

Love your work 👍

[@davidfidler1174]

Good video Graham. I have rebuilt a TR6 engine and it has thrust washers on the rear bearing. Does the Spitfire engine not have them?

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi David and yes it does have thrust washers. I filmed all of the crankshaft installation including the thrust washers and checking the end play and adjusting with the various sizes of washers etc etc. And then after all that and I went to edit the clips all I had was absolute zero footage!! 🤬. I checked my camera and I had about 5 seconds of each clip I took so my first check was the battery and after about 5 seconds the camera cut out. Luckily I have a spare battery and that worked fine so the the old battery is now disposed of - such a shame as that video would have been very informative. Cheers for now mate. …………Graham

[@scottyuk]

I had no idea about the wooden inserts 😯

[@mygentrybuild1974]

About 50 years ago I rebuilt a Triumph Herald 948 engine and this was the first time I came across those wooden inserts so this was no surprise as this is my fourth Triumph engine rebuild! 👍🏻. Cheers for now mate. …………… Graham

[@scottyuk]

I guess I'm surprised that they haven't replaced then with something modern, more expensive and less effective 😉

[@mygentrybuild1974]

@@scottyuk Well the thing is they no longer make these engines so there’s no need to replace them, some aftermarket companies give rubber versions of the wood inserts which you would think would work better but they are crap, the wood actually works really well. 👍🏻

[@johnmcmunn3827]

Graham and folks wonder why old Brit cars leak oil ....mystery solved (wooden seals) .. we can all sleep easier now .... cheers Mate

[@mygentrybuild1974]

Hi John, it’s not so much the wood inserts but we insisted on using scrolls on anything that turned while the more sensible countries were already using rubber seals! Cheers for now mate. …………. Graham

[@FarlandHowe]

You obviously know what you’re doing.

[@mygentrybuild1974]

I hope so Rob otherwise it will go ‘bang’ when I start it up! 😂😂. Cheers for now mate. ………. Graham