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For Peter, Terry, and Eric; here are some images of the '57 Triumph. Thanks for asking, and enjoy.

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So after the initial test run, I felt the car was just a bit sluggish at cruising throttle applications and it seemed like timing was a bit retarded. I decided to check the points, lube the advance mechanism, verify the vacuum advance operation, and set the timing with the stroboscope.

My hunch was right (this happens once in a while) the vacuum advance was dead, leaking so bad that it would not hold a single inch of vacuum. This was really disappointing because I had planned to take the car to Friday and Saturday night cruise in and the annual orphan car show here in Phoenix Sunday morning.

As always, when rare parts are needed, Flackmaster to save the day. Waiting for me upon arrival from work was a new old stock Autolite vacuum advance. By 5:45 I was happily putting test miles on the car noting the improved throttle response, smoother cruising operation, and running a few degrees cooler. Thanks Dave!

For the benefit of those that might not know how to test the vacuum advance, simply use a hand held vacuum pump such as a Mighty Vac, or if you like connect a hose and suck. The diaphragm should draw the arm and advance the distributor ignition plate. If it advances and holds vacuum, you are in good shape. If it does not hold vacuum, or never moves, and builds no vacuum, you have a bad diaphragm. This can cost 6.5 degrees of total advance. That is a substantial amount to run late. I tend to make testing the vacuum advance a part of regular ignition test and tune. Below are some images of testing old and new.

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Many thanks for sharing the motor bike with us. It sure brings back memories of when we used to build bikes, although I gather that the modern Triumph is not too bad a machine.
There is something seriously missing from your bike though "NO OIL LEAKS ON THE FLOOR"
Best regards
Terry

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As an aficionado of anything British, I love that bike! Sadly, the wife won't let me have one..

Wow, Jim, I am envious. I've been busy sanding what I've primed and replacing (correcting) fasteners. My steering column is out of the car so I can clean it up and paint it, so no driving. Here's the last time I drove my 1377, Memorial Day a couple of years ago. Also looking for a dashpot to control the throttle when the overdrives disengages. And a jack.

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Eric and Terry, thanks for your kind thoughts on the Triumph. Eric, funny thing is the bike was the first purchase my wife and I made as a couple.

Joe, glad to see you are coming along on your car. Once I find a jack for me, I will certainly keep you in mind for the next . The dashpot sure seems elusive. Very nice illustration. I will keep my eye out for another. While I am having fun in the short run, I realize I will be doing much of the same work you are doing in the future. I'm sure I will be thinking of you enjoying your beautifully restored car when the time comes to do ours.

So tonight was really fun. We set out for cruise night and arrived with no trouble. In typical Phoenix, Arizona fashion along comes a dust storm. This necessitated a quick departure. Thanks to West Peterson, the big oil bath air cleaner provided great piece of mind. Thanks again West!

Friends followed us home from there and were able to observe performance and tail pipe conditions. We pushed it pretty good and they reported no detectible smoke. That is such a turn of good luck. Looks like a switch of the lone non-functional lifter, and replacement of manifold gaskets will have this 356 purring like a kitten.

Can't wait for tomorrow evening... off to the next old car destination.

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The plan with the '40 was to get ready for the annual orphan car show. After successful test runs Friday and Saturday to the local cruise nights I felt ready to make the trip across town. A 21 mile trip one way, about half interstate and half surface street if one chooses that route. Decided to do the interstate route.

Had a wonderful time with no difficulty at all. A number of folks drove their Packards, which made it all the more enjoyable. One in particular was a '40 110 touring sedan with the early production trunk medallion. I have heard of the different medallion, and seen pictures, but never one in person. I would imagine it is a very rare piece. I had to take a picture and share.

After putting around 200 miles on the car the prognosis on the collapsed #6 exhaust lifter is no joy. The exhaust manifold gasket is leaking in a number of places so; at this point I am resolved to removing the cylinder head and inspecting the lifter. While at that, it is a perfect time to do the intake/exhaust gaskets. Of course, this is a slippery slope and could lead to other work. I will do my best to not let one thing lead to another.

If anyone reading this knows, and cares to comment, I wonder if it is possible in any way to remove the valve spring retainers, compress the valve spring, lift the valve into the head as far as possible, and remove the lifter from the tappet assembly, in part or whole? Just a thought...

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No, you cannot get enough clearance to remove the hydraulic lifter without removing the head and valve.

Thanks for the conformation JD.

I wonder if it is possible in any way to remove the valve spring retainers, compress the valve spring, lift the valve into the head as far as possible, and remove the lifter from the tappet assembly, in part or whole?

Not possible.