Garage find Stag

[cmcn1]

I am going to view a Stag which has not been used for 25 years, the owner having passed away recently. I am told bodywork/paint in good condition but as the engine has not been started in so long I wonder how to proceed. My question is can the engine be tested? I have read articles which suggest changing oil and coolant, remove spark plugs, spray some 'misting oil' into the bores and crank by hand before attempting to start the engine. Is this feasible or is it case or taking it to a specialist for an engine strip down? Can one buy a car without knowing if the engine is good? Any advice appreciated.

[flying farmer]

I would suggest attempting to turn the engine with a Stilson type pipe wrench on the crank pulley between the belts and the timing cover.

If by some miracle the crank does turn, go very gently after moving it the first few degrees.

It is not unknown for the cam followers to stick in their bores after a long lay up. This leaves the valve open and when the piston hits it, it will bend the valve. I bought what turned out to be a rebuilt engine some years ago that had suffered this very mishap when someone started it after a long lay up. I was lucky and all that was needed was a replacement valve and a full set of cam followers after a full engine strip.

If it turns out the engine is seized I would still buy the car if everything else was good and the price was right.

A full engine rebuild at a specialist is likely to come in between £4000 and £5000 depending on what is needed, and that thought would be a major influence on your budget.

Neil

[wilf]

In your shoes, I would value it based on it needing a full engine rebuild, as well as all the other things needing re-commissioning.

[cmcn1]

With reference to the cam followers, could I remove the cam covers to see if the cam followers move?

[JeffW]

And be very careful about 'bodywork/paint in good condition'. Paint hides a LOT. As me how I know...

[barkerwilliams]

I bought a similar car 16 year layup, but the car started and drove. every piece of rubber - hoses, bushes, brake hoses etc, had all rotted. All brake cylinders master & slave corroded internally. Seat foam rotten and dropping crumbs on the carpet. Brake discs & drums corroded.

Body work was in wonderful condition though and the car was a really good buy. If the body has rot that you can see then there will be rot you can't see. Its relatively easy to fit replacement parts and, apart for the expense, good fun. Rust will take years to fix, cost tens of thousands with respray costs and make you weep.

There are some good cars out there at similar prices to money-pits.

Don't buy rust.

Alan

[Bandit1200]

Don't overlook the tyres. Even with loads of tread, at that age, they are scrap.

[cmcn1]

Thanks for all your advice