As many of you may already be aware, Cherri and I had some problems with the TR8 on our recent trip accross the Nullabor for the WA Nationals.

We endured a very hot day travelling from Eulca to Norseman, with the temperature gauge virtually off the scale, even with the air con off. There was nowhere to stop – no shade, no emergency help . . . nothing really, so we pressed on and hoped for the best. On arrival at Norseman, the radiator boiled as soon as we slowed down to enter the first servo in town. It was clear that the thermo fan was not working at all and clearly this was the main cause of our problems.

Their equivalent of our RAA were very efficient – the local guy was there within 10 minutes and his garage just a few blocks away. We got the car there after it had cooled down sufficiently and after a coolant refill, allowed it to cool overnight, and scheduled a review of the problems first thing the following morning.

Nothing would get the thermo fan to go, so a new one was needed. Luckily, the only fan that this place had in stock was exactly the same as the one fitted to my car. How lucky was that! This was fitted with consumate ease, and given that it is a “puller” rather that a “pusher”, care was taken to ensure that the polarity of the motor was reversed.

We also took the opportunity to check the thermostat, and even thought his seemed okay, we replaced it with a new and cooler one. The water pump appeared okay, so after settling up the bill, we were on our way to Esperance.

For the following week, the car behaved reasonably well, but on the hotter days, or when sitting in traffic just idling, it still sent the temp gauge way past where it should have been.

On getting the car back home (covered transport from Perth) I set about considering what else could be wrong that would cause the car to overheat. All sorts of theories were considered, such as was the timing out? If the timing is too far retarded, this will cause the engine to run hotter than it should. I had the gauge checked – no problems with that. So, looking for some divine guidance, I called Ian Wilson who agreed to have a look, and possibly get the car onto a dyno to check the E.F.I. settings under load and see what the cooling system was doing.

First thing we found was the gauge was clearly not reading correctly. But why? It checked out fine by the VDO gauge shop. Ian put a temporary earth cable between engine and body . . . . an immediate reduction of 15 degrees at the gauge! Now I am at best an amateur about car electrics, especially Lucas. But my understanding is that there is a voltage stabiliser gizmo installed in these things that may not necessarily work with after market accessories. This may well have been the reason that the VDO Oil Pressure Gauge also seemed to provide odd readings and had already been removed in favour of the standard oil warning light.

So the solution here was to remove the VDO gauge and go back to the factory temp gauge that had been previously disconnected. Ian stressed the importance of a factory sender unit – nothing else would do. So back in my garage, I set about connecting another earth strap between engine and body, and reconnecting the factory temp gauge.

But here is the scoop . . . . as I had just been reading the instructions for the installation of a puller fan in a Datsun 240Z that I am helping to build for a friend of mine, it occured to me that the guys who installed the fan to my car way back in Norseman had not reversed the fan blades. I do remember them saying, make sure that the polarity of the motor was reversed, but no mention of changing the fan blade around. So I took out the thermo fan and sure enough, the side that said “This side of the fan must face to the rear of the vehicle” was the wrong way around.

Now I must confess, I was of the opinion that when installing these gadgets as a retrofit, all that neede to be done was to reverse the polarity of the motor. Clearly, this is incorrect. After turning the blades around, the additional airflow was astonishing. Interestingly, the previous airflow sort of seemed to be okay, but as is now clearly demonstrated, it was producing just a fraction of the flow required to cool the engine properly.

So there you have it – all very simple in the end. Stick to the factory gauge and sender unit . . . there is nothing wrong with them. Make sure the engine is really well earthed, and follow the instructions when retro-fitting a thermo fan.

Oh, and as an aside, I had noticed that the cold start was not as instant and smooth as I remembered from my previous ownership of this car. Previously, it would start first time every time no matter what. Now it was taking sometimes three goes before it would assume an idle. But after installing the additional earth strap . . . guess what? Instant start up has resumed! So perhaps the voltage drain and insufficient engine earth was causing a bad reading in the computer? Ah, the mysteries of older cars will keep my brain active for many years, I’m sure.

See you soon in my “cooler” TR8.

Roger Lange

Neil Martin looking cool alongside his TR7V8 – no helmet required for this outing Neil!

2009 TSOA Christmas Dinner &Trophy Presentation

Saturday 12th December

6.30pm for Club sponsored Pre-dinner drinks

7.00pm start

Royal Adelaide Golf ClubTapleys Hill Road, Seaton

Cost – $40.00 TSOA Members

$50.00 Non Members

For further information please contact:Sue Gibson 8449 7814

Bookings with full payment by the November meeting please

PAST

Classic Adelaide 18 – 22 Nov

Four Triumphs competed in the 2009 event – Stephen & Ginetta Rochester in their TR3A and Steve Fisher, Craig Haysman and Ian Wilson in TR7V8’s. In Classic Competition, Stephen & Ginetta came 16th out of a field of 19, and in Late Classic, Craig was 19th, Steve 21st and Ian 30th out of 35 cars. Ian suffered a tyre failure leading to an inability to finish a section – in essence, putting him out of contention. However, the TR7V8 continued to place in the top order for the whole rally, that particular disappointment notwithstanding. There were only 2 cars in the Historic section. Not sure about you, but my interest is waning with the demise in numbers of the older vehicles. See ‘www.classicadelaide.com.au/ca09/results.html’

Mallala Racing 14 Nov

This was a scorcher. Temperatures gradually built up to 43 degrees as the day progressed. I was pit crew for an Elfin ME5 and was glad to leave after our events had finished which was before the evening session commenced. No Triumphs.

FUTURE

MSCA Tentative Calendar For 2010 (updated)

Picnic/Presentation Day:                     Sunday 21st February
Skills Enhancement Day:                    Sunday 28th February
Round 1:                                             Sunday 28th March
6 Hour Relay:                                      Sunday 23rd May
Round 2:                                             Sunday 4th July (TSOA providing officials)
Advanced Driver Training:                 Sunday 8th August
Round 3:                                             Sunday 19th September
Round 4:                                             Sunday 24th October

OTHER

For those wondering about the costs involved in competing in MSCA Sprint meetings, the following may be of interest:-

TSOA or other MSCA member club membership (12mths)               $60

MSCA membership(12 mths)                                                             $20

CAMS basic licence (12 mths)                                                           $95

Event entry (single)                                                                             $75

Fire Extinguisher CAMS approved with metal bracket                        $25

Dorian Timer (see explanation below)                                                $395

You will also need wool or cotton clothing, predominately leather shoes and a CAMS approved helmet. The vehicle’s bonnet requires an extra safety wire (or similar), seatbelts need to be in good condition and the vehicle has to pass safety scrutineering at the track. Cars range from the every day users to full race.

The other thing that you will need is an electronic timing device commonly called a “Dorian”. This allows for electronic timing of laps with an accuracy factor of a thousandth of a second, and renders the old manual methods of lap timing redundant. If you are interested in giving sprinting a try, a Dorian unit will be provided to you for the first event. After that, you will need to purchase one – current cost is $395 – this is a significant discount to the current market price for these gadgets, currently available through the MSCA. Seems a lot, but bear in mind that these things will continue to carry a value of close to the original outlay on the second hand market should you ever decide not to continue – they just don’t depreciate unless they have been poorly looked after.

If you wish to get more serious and compete in State or National series races, it gets more expensive.

TSOA or other MSCA member club membership (12 mths)              $60

MSCA membership (12 mths)                                                            $20

CAMS CC or NC License (12 mths)                                                 $245 or $395

Event Entry (single)                                                                          $270

Fire Extinguisher CAMS approved with metal bracket                       $25

Fire proof clothing, boots, gloves etc                                             $1200 +

Dorian Timer                                                                                      $395

CAMS approved seatbelts                                                                $250 +

CAMS approved helmet                                                                    $800

CAMS License medical (every 2 yrs for us old ones)                     $100

The costs above are approximate and the major ones less the car and on goings such as fuel. Your average Triumph race car will use approximately 1 litre of racing fuel per lap at Mallala. At around $2.40/litre, this can add up. There are also accessories like a car trailer. Before getting too serious, I suggest you look at the racing classes. What you can and can’t as well as what you are required to do to your car is regulated and varies from class to class. If you want to be competitive, look at the types of vehicle in the winning circle of the class and assess what they have changed in the vehicle to make it competitive. Remember though, horsepower generally = $. CAMS CC and NC licenses require passing an exam and a satisfactory observation of driver on the first race day.

The information provided here is purely to give an idea of costs associated with circuit sprinting/racing. If you would like to know more or require assistance to prepare your car – give me a call. Personally, I think the MSCA sprints are great value for money and provide an important feeder to State and National series racing.

See ‘http://www.cams.com.au/’ & ‘http://www.mscasa.com/index.html’

Cheers, Trevor Lindsay

Due to the extreme heat forecast for the Day of Triumph the event was cancelled.   It has been rescheduled for Sunday 16th May 2010 at the same venue when hopefully the weather will be more favourable.

The WA National Rally has been and gone and a good time was had by all who attended  The trip across the Nullarbor was fun and the weather not too hot.   The detour down to the Head of the Bight where there were still a few whales with calves was well worth the extra few kilometres.   Six of us stayed with Frankie and Lloyd Merritt at Boyanup on their dairy farm, along with John and Angela and Wayne and Carolyn.   Frankie and Lloyd send their regards to all.

The week at the Abbey Resort in Busselton was very enoyable, well planned with various activities.   Congratulations to Peter Davidge and Roger Lange who both won their class in the Show and Shine day, Peter getting a perfect score.   Roger and Cherri also tied first on the Navigation Run.   The Margaret River and south west area of WA is certainly worth a visit with some lovely country and scenery.   All up we travelled a distance of 4419kms and the TR6 didn’t miss a beat!!

Next year’s Nationals will be in Kangaroo Valley NSW (south of Sydney) and runs from 11th to 18th September.  Sounds like it will be a good week.  Check out the web site.

Congratulations to John & Angela Williams who were married in the parklands on Friday 27th November.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Sue Gibson

Steve Ferguson poses with his beautiful TR7 V8 dhc – don’t ya just love it!

***NEWS FLASH***NEWS FLASH***NEWS FLASH***

Due to the unprecedented extreme weather conditions, and our desire to enjoy a club member’s day that is comfortable for all, not to mention our beloved Triumphs having to bake in century heat, . . . . . .
. . . . . the 2009 Day of Triumph scheduled for Sunday 15th November has been POSTPONED.

This decision has not been made lightly, but is seen in the best interest of TSOA and its members, their families, our Triumphs, the Concours and Pride of Ownership judges, and the volunteer officials.

We hope to have details of a re-scheduled event advised to you as soon as we can. This is likely to be sometime in the new year, and hopefully in cooler conditions.

Feedback (positive or negative) is always welcome –

Roger Lange – Ph 8132 1841 or rogncher@internode.on.net

Rory Gibson – Ph 8449 7814 or surogib@arcom.com.au

PAST

Phillip Island 26/27 Sept

Wild and variable conditions hosted Round 4 of the Victorian Motor Racing Championships. Whilst leading the pack in Race 1 and full of confidence in wet conditions, Tom Hutchinson (TR8) spun off the track at Lukey Heights into the gravel trap assisted by oil dropped by a fellow competitor. After this it was a matter of wrong tyre choice in the constantly changing wet/dry conditions and Tom was continually caught out so elected not to continue. Lyn Punshon, a fellow South Australian in a Cobra, destroyed his wet tyres and as there were no more available elected to race on slicks in the last race – a wet start. However the conditions changed to dry and he won that race. Such was the gamble on tyre choice over the whole weekend. See ‘www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi’

Mallala  MSCA Sprint Rd4 25 Oct     Rod Carey, Roger Lange and myself took our GT6’s out for the last time this year. There was a full field of entries that varied from the older historics to every day drivers and modern race cars. None of us had any problems and all did respectable times. I am still out on whether my change from a 4.1:1 diff to a 3.7:1 diff was an improvement as my 2+ year old tyres have now lost their edge. My best time of 1:18.04 was 1.5 secs of my best. However, I didn’t run out of revs this time.

FUTURE

Mallala Racing 14 Nov       This is Round 4 and the final round of this years State Race Championships. It is a Saturday twilight meeting that generally starts around midday and extends into the evening. Come up for a look.

Classic Adelaide 18 – 22 Nov       There are still only two confirmed Triumph entries so far this year being Stephen & Ginetta Rochester in their TR3A and Steve Fisher in a TR7. See ‘www.classicadelaide.com.au/ca09/index.asp’

MSCA Tentative Calendar For 2010

Skills Enhancement Day:                      Sunday 21st February

Round 1:                                               Sunday 28th March

6 hour:                                                  Sunday 30th May

Round 2:                                               Sunday 4th July

Round 3:                                               Sunday 8th August

Advanced Driver Training:                   Sunday 19th September

Round 4:                                               Sunday 24th October

OTHER

Strathalbyn Swap Meet       A note to myself. Next year get there well before midday or the show will have been and gone.

the-roadster-factory      My parts arrived safely and I am particularly impressed with the quality of the rubber products. Much better than I have previously received from the UK.

World Championships       Hopefully Casey Stoner (Aus) has come third in the MotoGP bike championship after missing a number of races with a mystery illness. Mark Webber (Aus) has secured 4th position in the F1 world championship. Not bad results for a small populace.

Car Movements            Following the exodus of the ex Dennis Hawkins GT6 racer to Queensland a little while ago, Tom Hutchinson’s Mk11 GT6 race car has followed suit. (And then there were three!). However, a fellow work mate has just acquired a yellow Mk1 Spitfire from Queensland. Hope to see him as a new club member soon.

Presidential Rumblings            It would appear one of our fold has caused a stir amongst our MG brethren by recent remarks published in this magazine. The offender was seen pushing an MG to try jump starting it at the October MSCA meet – perhaps somewhat tongue in cheek. Another racing year has drawn to a close. It would be nice to see some new faces from our fold on the track next year. If you think you may be interested, please give me a call and I will allay your concerns.

Cheers,

Trevor Lindsay

Bill organised another “twisty road” run through the hills ending up at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary for afternoon tea on Wednesday 14th October.  This run was attended by about 18 people who all enjoyed coffee and cake at the destination.   It was good to see Bob and Natalie out in their new TR8 just in time for running it in before heading across the Nullabor to WA for the Nationals.   Thanks to Bill for organising this run.

Congratulations to Ian Rigby and his navigator, Eddy, on winning the All Triumph Rally for the Tony Esau Memorial Trophy on Sunday 18th October.   We couldn’t have asked for better weather conditions for this run and it certainly brought everyone out for the day, with over 60 people signing the Clubmans Book.   Second place was a tie between John Wood and Steve Ferguson and navigator Tracey.  It was a very tightly contested run with only 1/2 point separating first and second.   Ian of course has the honour of setting next year’s event.   It was great to see some new  members come along and participate.

Thanks go to Margie and Bill for bringing the BBQ, tables and all the utensils and for ordering the meat, Arrand Ellery and Greg Page who did a wonderful job of cooking the BBQ, along with Peter Davidge and Peggy (who made the green salad) who assisted with serving up and everyone else who helped on the day.

Christmas dinner bookings are being taken and full payment is required by the November meeting please as the venue needs numbers.

The Day of Triumph is on Sunday 15th November at Civic Park opposite Tea Tree Plaza so please come along, bring a picnic lunch and support this event.

Don’t forget there is no meeting in December.

Sue

PAST

Winton 29/30 Aug     Tom Hutchinson in his TR8 achieved three 2nd placings and a 1st at the Winton round of the Victorian Motor Racing Championship. The top three placed cars all swapped positions during the races, the other two being an MGB V8 and an MG Midget that I can personally attest to being very quick. Tom now sits 2nd in the points tally for MG & Invited British Cars. See www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/result wws.cgi

Mallala 6 Sept     The MSCA Come & Try Day by all reports was a great success despite the Fathers Day conflict. Neil Martin (TR7 V8) introduced his family to the delights of the Mallala circuit and may have woken some hidden desires. A slightly modified format is planned for next year following the popularity of this years event.

FUTURE

Collingrove Hillclimb 17/18 Oct    The South Australian Hillclimb Championships will be held over the weekend of the 17th & 18th October at Collingrove. See www.sportingcarclubsa.org.au/Events.mvc/Hillclimb/SAHillclimbChampionships

Mallala  MSCA Sprint Rd4 25 Oct     The last sprint for the year will be held on Sunday 25th October. Neil Martin is a likely starter in his TR7, Rod Carey (GT6) also plans to be there as do I with my GT6. I wish to assess a different diff to see if I can keep off the rev limiter at a few locations. Roger Lange (also GT6) may be there depending on his national meeting trip organisational skills.

Climb to the Eagle 6 Nov      This will be the 25th anniversary of the event. The cars will start in Victoria Park, travel to the Hahndorf Resort for morning tea and then on to Victor Harbor for lunch. Entries closed in September – just in case you were wondering.

Mallala Racing 14 Nov       This is Round 4 and the final round of this years State Race Championships. It is a Saturday twilight meeting that generally starts around midday and extends into the evening. A good opportunity to spot whose brakes glow the hottest.

Classic Adelaide 18 – 22 Nov       There are two confirmed Triumph entries so far this year being Stephen & Ginetta Rochester in their TR3A and Steve Fisher in a TR7. No news at going to press as to Ian Wilson’s intentions. Perhaps it is not a priority after last years disqualification and reinstatement fiasco.                                                See www.classicadelaide.com.au/ca09/index.asp

OTHER

18 October Strathalbyn Swap Meet       New Venue at the Strathalbyn Harness racing Club (Milne Road 500 metres from the West Tce/South Tce Roundabout). Buyers admitted from 7am on Sunday. Admission $5 adults, children free. Car parking free in complex plus street parking.

www.mag.gpweek.com       I find this site informative for international categories of racing such as F1, MotoGP and World Rally. It may be worth a look if you don’t know of it. It is good for following Aussie Mark Weber’s F1 achievements and those of Casey Stoner in MotoGP, not to mention the politics of motor racing. It is refreshed weekly on Tuesday’s.

www.the-roadster-factory.com      I recently stumbled across this site on the internet and I am sure there are some out there that haven’t yet found it. This is an American company that has weekly and monthly specials on parts for Triumph and MG sports cars. Some specials are 50% off normal price. I receive weekly newsletters and have just ordered some parts. I will be happy to share my experiences with anyone that is interested. Have a look at the site.

Auction 24 Sept        A rusty rustic powder blue unregistered SA 1968 Mk3 Spitfire sold locally at auction in Kilkenny for $5250. My assessment was it would be worth $2000. In its favour, it was relatively complete and appeared original with minor panel damage to the rear. It was put forward as a 1965 Mk1. Purchaser was unknown but described as elderly, hairy and grey – which describes most of our club members.

Cheers,

Trevor Lindsay