Angloclassics News

This 1961 Triumph Tiger T110 came into the workshop after sitting for some time. The aim was not a full restoration, but to check the main systems, deal with the stale fuel, establish oil return and spark, and see whether the bike could be brought back into running order.

Initial checks and oil return

The oil level in the tank was low, so the spark plugs were removed and the engine was kicked over until oil could be seen returning to the tank.

The engine had wet sumped while the bike was sitting, which is common on older Triumph twins. The oil level would need to be checked again once the engine had been run and the oil had circulated properly.

The primary oil was also checked. The level was high, but the oil looked clean and there was no obvious sign of contamination.

Battery, lights and ignition

The battery was completely flat. It was charged and reinstalled, then the lights and horn were tested. All were operating correctly.

The spark plugs were placed against the cylinder head and the engine was kicked over to check the ignition. Spark was present, so attention could move to the fuel system.

Cleaning the original carburettor

The carburettor was initially stripped and old fuel residue was removed. The float valve was sticking, so it was removed, lightly cleaned with wet-and-dry paper, and reinstalled.

Following this first clean, the Tiger fired on the fifth kick. It stalled when the throttle was opened, but started again and continued running. There was a large amount of white exhaust smoke, which was consistent with residual oil being burned after the engine had wet sumped.

The carburettor was then removed again and stripped completely. The pilot jet, main jet and needle jet were ultrasonically cleaned before the carburettor was reassembled and fitted back onto the bike.

The spark plugs were removed and cleaned of excess fuel. The engine was kicked through to clear the remaining unburnt fuel, then restarted. This time it started on the first kick.

The white smoke gradually reduced as the remaining oil cleared through, and the carburettor settled down and operated correctly.

Driveway testing

The bike was tested over several lengths of the driveway. The brakes operated satisfactorily, the gearbox selected through the gears correctly, and the tyre pressures were good.

The foot controls are slightly bent outward, but this did not prevent the test from being completed.

The bike does have some oil leaks. Oil coming from the engine breather reduced as the bike was used, which was expected after it had wet sumped while sitting.

Items still recommended

A few smaller items were noted during the inspection. One seat hinge is missing, the carburettor intake rubber is missing, and the twist grips are in poor condition. The rear drive chain should also be lubricated.

These items were noted for the owner rather than completed as part of this job.

Back up and running

The Tiger arrived with a flat battery, stale fuel, a sticking carburettor float valve and a wet-sumped engine. After the fuel system was cleaned, oil return and ignition were confirmed, and the carburettor was properly stripped and ultrasonically cleaned, the bike was starting easily and running satisfactorily.

The final driveway test confirmed that the brakes, gearbox and basic running operation were all working as expected.

Work carried out

• Stripped the carburettor and removed old fuel residue
• Removed and cleaned the sticking float valve
• Checked the oil tank and restored visible oil return
• Checked the primary oil level and condition
• Charged and reinstalled the battery
• Tested the lights and horn
• Checked for ignition spark
• Completed an initial engine start
• Fully stripped the carburettor
• Ultrasonically cleaned the pilot, main and needle jets
• Cleaned the spark plugs and cleared excess fuel from the engine
• Restarted the engine and checked carburettor operation
• Checked tyre pressures
• Tested the brakes and gearbox
• Completed driveway testing
• Checked oil leakage and engine breather output
• Recorded remaining parts and maintenance recommendations