1972 Twin Cam - in the shop

[MAK]

As I have stated numerous times, I have absolutely ZERO mechanical abilities, I can lift the hood and stare at the engine, and I know it it's an engine - impressive huh? I will take the time to learn more but not willing to spend months or years tearing it apart and learning, at 73 I am on the downside of time.

So, since I got the 72, I've read all your comments, drove it home 38 miles, 2 short drives 25 miles each, every drive scared the crap out of me, so off it went to my buddies it to my mechanic before I killed myself or someone else. The mechanic works on his old Jag XKE, TR6, and 76 Porsche Turbo, and works on 2 Esprits - He had the complete Europa workbook, along with the Renault trans books. I was surprised!

Here what I gave him as major issues:
1. At 55mph plus it suddenly becomes very twitchy, darting and steering immediately quick.
2. 1st gear is difficult to find.
3. Fuel System – Check the T-fitting between the tanks - if plastic replace with metal, concern about age of all fuel lines
4. Speedometer – Jumpy

Don't have a total update yet but he's what he's said so far, 
1. It wasn't me the car was scary to drive over 50 mph, he checked all the bushing, shocks etc. then took it to what he considered the "best" alignment shop in the valley - all the numbers were way off and both rear wheels faced extreme left.
2. Clutch need adjustment, wasn't engaging correctly, adjusted the clutch & linkage didn't need any parts and now shifts "as well as a Europa can"
3 & 4 - no news yet

called yesterday and said he was frustrated with the car, I immediately had a panic attack - OMG I just bought a problem -  but he then explained that he was almost done with the car but on the way back to his shop from the alignment shop the charge light came on, got back - alternator is fried - said he was glad it happened to him not me, so a new alternator is being put on.

know this isn't a fascinating to all of you that wrench these cars yourselves, but I want to start out with a car that works and is drivable and go from there.
More news to come. thanks

[BDA]

 Fear not. All of those things are pretty common issues and pretty easy to rectify. Once fixed, driving will be a blast!

The plastic 'T' fitting is between the carbs (I don't remember one between the fuel tanks but there must be one so best to check that one too). The speedo cable probably needs to be lubricated.

It's good that you have a good shop to take it to. I think the reason there are so many cars that have sat for 20, 30, or 40 years is because it started running rough or stopped and the owner didn't know where to take it - because a lot of places didn't want to touch it. In truth, for most things, they are no more complicated or strange than a Triumph Spitfire. Your Jaguar guy should have no problem with it and since he is also an Esprit guy, that should give you a great deal of comfort!

Let us know how it feels to drive it after it's been fixed!