IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1979 Triumph Dolomite

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 1979 Triumph Dolomite. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Slant-four alloy cylinder head warping and head gasket failure

SeriousEngine

The 16-valve Sprint and 8-valve 1850 slant-four engines utilise an aluminium cylinder head mounted atop an inclined cast-iron block. The diagonal angled head studs and high thermal stresses make the engine exceptionally vulnerable to overheating. A lack of high-specification corrosion-inhibited antifreeze allows electrolytic corrosion of the aluminium castings, silting up the radiator and blowing the head gasket.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£2,500
Warning Signs:

Coolant temperature gauge needle creeping toward the red zone under load or at idle, Combustion pressure causing coolant expulsion from the radiator filler cap or expansion bottle, White sweet-smelling smoke trailing from the exhaust pipe on acceleration, External coolant weeping along the cylinder head-to-block mating seam

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect coolant expansion bottle for oily residue, discoloration or combustion gas bubbles with engine running
  • Check that coolant contains proper corrosion-inhibitor antifreeze rather than plain water
  • Verify cold start behavior and inspect the oil filler cap for milky white water emulsification
  • Examine history invoices for cylinder head skim records and head stud replacement
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Bulkhead and windscreen pillar junction corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The monocoque shell of the Dolomite suffers from severe structural corrosion in the hidden junction where the windscreen A-pillar meets the bulkhead and inner wing. Water draining through deteriorated windscreen rubbers and blocked scuttle vents collects in this structural joint, rusting through multiple panels into the driver footwells and weakening the passenger safety cell.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,000–£3,500
Warning Signs:

Water pooling in front footwells and damp, mouldy front cabin carpets, Bubbling paint, rust blistering, and flaking metal visible around the lower windscreen corners, Rust perforations inside the engine bay where the inner wing meets the bulkhead and battery tray, Cracking along seam sealer around the bonnet hinge mountings and scuttle channel

What to Inspect:
  • Examine the bulkhead-to-inner wing seam under the bonnet with a strong torch and inspection mirror
  • Lift front footwell carpets and feel sound-deadening felt for water ingress and floor corrosion
  • Check lower A-pillars, outer sills, jacking points and rear wheel arches for tinworm and MOT patch plates
  • Inspect the metal beneath the vinyl roof on Sprints for hidden moisture blistering
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Deteriorated rubber carburettor mounts causing lean running

ModerateFuel System

On Dolomite Sprint models, the twin 1.75-inch SU HS6 carburettors are isolated from engine vibration by rubber-to-metal sandwich mounting blocks. Over time, heat soak and fuel vapours cause the rubber to perish, split and delaminate. This admits unmetered air into the intake manifold, creating a dangerous lean fuel-air mixture that causes erratic idling, hesitation, and burnt exhaust valves.

Est. Repair Cost: £120–£350
Warning Signs:

Lumpy, erratic engine idle speed that fluctuates or fails to settle when warm, Engine hesitation, flat spots, or spitting back through carburettors under initial throttle opening, Overly white spark plug tips indicating an excessively lean air-fuel ratio, Hissing or sucking vacuum noise audible from around the carburettor intake flanges

What to Inspect:
  • Gently wiggle the carburettor bodies by hand while the engine idles; any change in engine RPM confirms split mounts
  • Visually inspect the rubber sandwich blocks between carburettors and manifold for surface cracking or oil rot
  • Check whether uprated solid aluminium mounting blocks or modern polyurethane flanges have been installed
  • Spray carburettor cleaner around mounting joints to test for momentary rev changes caused by vacuum leaks
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Rear suspension trailing-arm and locating bush deterioration

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The Dolomite relies on a live rear axle located by four trailing links and an anti-roll bar with multiple rubber bushes. Decades of oil contamination, weathering and mileage soften and perish these rubber bushes. Worn bushes permit excessive lateral axle float and axle steer under power, causing the rear end to twitch, squirm under acceleration, and knock loudly over uneven road surfaces.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£650
Warning Signs:

Rear-end steering sensation and wandering instability when changing lanes or applying throttle, Dull metallic clunking from underneath the rear seats when pulling away or braking, Noticeable play and deflection of the rear axle assembly during quick directional changes

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect rear trailing-arm and tie-rod rubber bushes for perished, cracked or oil-soaked rubber
  • Pry between suspension links and chassis mounting brackets with a pry bar to check for excessive free play
  • Check whether upgraded polyurethane bush kits have been installed, ensuring suspension bolts are properly torqued
  • Inspect rear axle casing and differential mountings for oil leaks and metal fatigue cracks
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 1979 Triumph Dolomite

  • On Sprint and 1850 slant-four engines, insist on a thorough cooling check: verify that fresh corrosion-inhibited antifreeze is present, as neglected coolant causes head gasket failure and seizes cylinder head studs.
  • Inspect the bulkhead where the windscreen pillar meets the inner wing and scuttle drain under the bonnet; rust here is structurally critical and extremely labour-intensive to repair.
  • Check crankshaft end float on iron-block 1300 and 1500 models by having an assistant press the clutch pedal while you check for front crank pulley movement.
  • Examine the rubber carburettor mounting flanges on Dolomite Sprints; perished rubber causes unmetered air leaks, lean running, rough idling and burned valves.
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