Bit of advice wanted

[m9fdb]

Hi
I have finally managed to get a spare day tomorrow to do somework on the Stag and was gonna try and get it started up and running with a bit of luck!!!
The car has sat for many years as far as I know and I was wondering if there is anything I should look to do before sticking a battery on it and trying it to see if it starts ??

I was gonna pull all the plugs out first and turn the engine over by hand ideally and but I am not the most mechanical minded of people even thoughI can do basic stuff, and wondered what the more technical minded of you would advise doing ?

Thanks
Darren

[V Mad]

Hi Darren. If sat for many years, ideally it needs a strip down to inspect eveything, but I gues you dont want to do that. Even if you remove cam covers and pour oil on the cams and followers, leave to soak for a couple of days) it will reduce risk of damage. So best you can do is put some oil down the plug holes (not too much); then crank it over without plugs and try to get oil light going out. Dont crank for more that 5 seconds at a time, and wait 10 seconds to let the starter cool off. You may have to take out the dissy and spin the oil pump with a power tool to get oil pressure. Finally put plugs back and give it a go. Good luck.

[milothedog]

And some fresh Petrol

Ian

[m9fdb]

Thanks for the advice - i think your idea of removing the cam covers is a good one Chris and i will look to do that and maybe soend my time prepeing it to start rather than trying to actually start it and do more damage as you say

And some fresh Petrol

Ian

LOL i was gonna use the petrol in the tank Ian !!!

[Firept]

Darren.
As with advice above but you could also use some WD40 or similar in to the bores and plenty of it, this is a "spray" and can get to the back of the bore which oil on its own wont it will sit on the plug side of the piston. Use the recommendation from Chris and take out the dizzy and spin the hex shaft of the oil pump from memory it needs to rotate anti clock wise someone will be along to confirm or deny, battery drill will do this with a suitable socket and small extension but tape the socket to the extension you don't want it falling off into the engine!!!!
Turn the engine over by hand first and gently rotate a few degrees in both directions just so that any stuck rings can have the chance of breaking their seal on the bore.
Fresh oil on the cams and down the chains, take your time.

Paul.

[KOY 23]

As Paul says but don't be tempted to use Easy Start.

[Bandit1200]

When you have started the engine following the excellent advice above, if yours is a MOD, you may find that the clutch to be stuck to the flywheel which will frustrate any attempt at declutching before engaging gear.
If this happens, jack one or both rear wheels up clear of the ground, start the engine in 1st gear, get someone to sit in the drivers seat and hold the clutch in and the fotbrake depressed as you drop the jack.
Either the clutch will free itself or it will shatter under the sudden force.
If it frees itself great!
If it shatters then you're in for a box out job which you would be into anyway if the clutch is that stuck on.
I used to work on a car sales pitch and used this method on numerous occasions. Never had a shattered clutch.

I'd also recommend an oil & filter change before you start up

[m9fdb]

Thanks for the advice - its an automatic also

[KOY 23]

That's lucky!!!