What are the most common Triumph TR6 problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1972 Triumph TR6 has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Crankshaft thrust-washer wear and excessive end float, Cracking differential mount (studs rip out of the frame), Lucas charging and electrical gremlins (corroded earths, weak alternator). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Triumph TR6 reliable?
The 1972 Triumph TR6 has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Crankshaft thrust-washer wear and excessive end float and Cracking differential mount (studs rip out of the frame). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Triumph TR6 problems?
Repair costs for known Triumph TR6 issues range from $60 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Crankshaft thrust-washer wear and excessive end float, typically costs $60-$3,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1969-1976 Triumph TR6 Crankshaft thrust-washer wear and excessive end float?
The straight-six uses semicircular (half-moon) crankshaft thrust washers at the centre main rather than full-circle thrusts, and the soft lead-indium face wears quickly. As they wear, crankshaft end float grows beyond the 0.006–0.008 in spec; past about 0.015 in the coating is go… Repairs typically run $60-$3,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1969-1976 Triumph TR6 Cracking differential mount (studs rip out of the frame)?
The diff is hung from the frame on a forward 'mustache' bracket and rear mounts. The forward differential mounting points are prone to cracking; the right-front point fails first because it carries the most torque load. As the mount works loose the crack propagates and, if ignore… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: high.
What is the 1969-1976 Triumph TR6 Lucas charging and electrical gremlins (corroded earths, weak alternator)?
Like most British cars of the era the TR6 runs Lucas electrics with bullet-connector harnesses, a 16/17ACR alternator and lots of in-line earths through the body and bulb holders. Decades of corrosion at terminal blocks, the positive battery cable connections, the brown feed wire… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 1969-1975 Triumph TR6 Lucas PI petrol-injection: hot-start failure, blocked injectors, fuel surge?
European-market TR6 PI cars use the Lucas mechanical petrol-injection system, fed by a Lucas high-pressure pump. It is notoriously difficult to set up and live with: hard hot-starting after standing, blocked injectors, throttle-shaft wear that wrecks the mixture balance, and a pu… Repairs typically run $400-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 1969-1976 Triumph TR6 Marginal cooling / overheating in traffic and hot weather?
The TR6's small 16 x 16.5 in radiator and engine-driven fan leave little cooling margin, so cars run hot idling in traffic and in hot climates, especially once the original brass core is partially silted up or the timing/mixture isn't right. The factory fan moves little air at id… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 1969-1976 Triumph TR6 Perished rear-suspension bushings causing rear camber/handling vagueness?
The TR6's semi-trailing-arm independent rear suspension relies on soft rubber bushings at the trailing-arm pivots and fixed (non-adjustable) factory brackets. After decades the rubber perishes and collapses, letting rear camber and toe wander under load, which gives the car a vag… Repairs typically run $250-$1,400. Severity: medium.
