Griff breakdowns

[nogriff]

This is a broad question, but what are the most common breakdown problems I am likely to experience will a 40,000 mile 1992 Griff ?

[beano500]

Phew - where do we start?

Well, I have experience the main 80 amp fuse (just off the battery) blowing and a failed coil or spark amplifier. Starter motors sometimes go on the earlier cars - they give up occasionally when hot and you have to wait for them to cool. i have heard of a few people being stranded (or near stranded) by drive belt failure too, and sometimes there are overheating problems.

These are all pretty rare, although of course annoying if they happen....

But apart from those sorts of things it's just a case of keeping it maintained like any vehicle.

Edited to add - your most likely problems will obviously be related to a few niggles where the car hasn't had enough use. Nothing special to strand you though, so get out and use it and you'll soon cure any problem

>> Edited by beano500 on Thursday 7th August 18:17

[simpo one]

The only thing that has stopped either of my Griffs ('92 4.0 and now '97 500) is a flat battery. Recommend you invest about £45 on a proper battery conditioner - it plugs in the cig socket and removes the constant niggle of 'will it start?' (as TVRs drain current qute fast when not used).

Radiators are also prone to leaking so keep an eye on coolant level (1" below bottom of side tube on swirlpot IIRC) and telltale blue drops underneath.

Also a good idea to get the chassis cleaned up and waxoyled.

Well that's my bit!

[Big_M]

Best advice appears to make sure you use it on a regular basis. It appears that cars that are left in the garage for long periods of time seem to be the most unreliable. Ours is used most weekends and other than the starting motor problem mentioned above, has not given us any nasty moments. We have found that if when you stop you leave the engine running until the fans cut out this stops the starting motor problem.

Enjoy

[simon.b]

My only breakdowns have both been fuses. The main alternator fuse and the fan fuses. The radiator leaks from time to time, but you I live with that.

Cheers,

Simon.

[simpo one]

Big_M said:

We have found that if when you stop you leave the engine running until the fans cut out this stops the starting motor problem.

If the engine's running it's still generating heat... suggest just leave the ignition on to keep the fans going, or if you don't want to use up battery power, pop the bonnet up 6" at the back if you're staying near the car or are in a safe venue.