Service Information Bulletin differences, et al

[Glenn Merrell <gmerrel@domain.elided>]

Hello All,

Example Service Information USA

Triumph Bulletin 73-A-3  Cylinder Gaskets Stag
Cylinder Head Gaskets- Stag
                                                                                                                  
May, 1973
The cylinder head gasket has been modified and was put into production
commencing at serial number LE 20001U. The '72 gasket (part #214705) can be
easily
identified in as much as it is 0.040" thick, and the metal bridge piece between
the center pair of cylinders is copper. 

The '73 gasket (part #218981) is 0.055" thick; and the bridge piece between the
center pair of cylinders is steel. In addition to this, six slots for water
transfer have
been added adjacent to the center pair of cylinders. 

Please note that the '73 gasket can be used to service all model Stag engines,
whereas the early type can only be used on engines up to the end of 1972.

end of bulletin ... 

Just a sample of the Technical bulletin info on the Triumph's Only Site.

http://www.triumphsonly.com/bulletin/index.htm

It should be noted that although the information is the same in each, the
Triumph Service Information Volume 1 & 2 are numbered differently for the UK
editions.  This equivalent UK BL notice is Volume 1, Issue 12, Item 49, Section
12.  Demonstrates that there were two or more types of bulletins released to
service shops.  The 73-A-3 is the earlier type of Service Information, the
latter being a "commonised" approach to correspond to the Repair Operations
Manuals, Section 12 being "Engine".  It appears that this scheme did not make
across to the US bulletins for some time, if at all, and two schemes may have
existed together.

Of additional note here, some of the USA technical bulletins may not have been
released in the UK and visa versa, so, there could be different repair solutions
depending on where you are.  This poses the question that a person asking a
question about a US problem getting a solution from the UK Service Information
that may or may not be the "proper" fix for a US spec Stag, and likewise a
person from the UK posing a problem getting a solution from the US Service
Information.  Clearly, the information being provided from either point is not
errant, but being viewed from the receiving side might been seen as ludicrous. 
I think that there would be a select few persons having the cross knowledge of
what was delivered to all markets for service information such as an export
supervisor or service technician trained in the UK working abroad, and that
regional specialists could very well view such information from other markets as
not being a problem or even being incorrect.  
	Now I'm not pointing fingers, and I am not making accusations, just making a
simple obvious point that there are differences between markets and service
information sent to those markets.  Just the facts so list users can keep their
eyes and thought processes clear, taking the time to evaluate the information
being supplied, were it is coming from, even if the source seems credible, that
the information does indeed apply to their market and problem.  Remember that
there were USA spec Stags, UK Spec Stags, and Australian spec Stags, and "Other
Markets" spec Stags.  

For USA Stag owners, we need to be careful of the part specifications for the
parts we buy within our service area, as NOS parts available here may not be
superseded by the proper part and we may be buying a part that is incorrect or
proven earlier/defective design.  When buying from offshore sources, we need to
specifically ask what specification the part is for, as UK specification parts
are not necessarily USA specification parts.  This may or may not cause
problems, but noting the differences in changes to the cylinder head gaskets as
exampled above, applying an earlier gasket supplied to your Stag could very well
cause you problems down the road.  Two quick checks to the part in this instance
would give you confidence of having the correct part or the incorrect part. Like
I said before, Caveat Emptor Y'all.  Take the time to ask the detail questions
if you care what is going into your car.

Now I know from experience that someone out there is going to take offense to
this simple information post.  If that person is you, then please take comfort
that this is just information, not criticism of any group or individual, and if
I stepped on your toes, sorry.

Yours for Speculation, In my Humble Opinion.

Regards,
Glenn  Merrell
Triumph Stag Register USA VP
*J*O*I*N**Y*O*U*R**L*O*C*A*L**T*R*I*U*M*P*H**C*L*U*B**T*O*D*A*Y*
*Member of:
*VTR, RMTC, TSC USA, TSR, SOC
*73*S*T*A*G*****************************************************