Starting engine after long layup

[stonedrive]

Hi everyone, Do to health issues my Stag hasn’t been started for about four years, should I be worried and is there anything I can do before I attempt to start it. Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Many thanks Steve

[NeilR]

Fresh engine oil might be a good idea, then build up oil pressure on starter motor (with plugs out) to get some oil round everywhere.

[stonedrive]

Hi Neil, many thanks for your swift response, I shall follow your advice. Steve

[NeilR]

Don't forget fresh fuel when it come to try starting.

[jbuckl]

Pull the inertia switch up / disconnect the fuel pump whilst doing the oiling cranking.

[MandM]

If it was mine I would add a couple of squirts of Redex to the cylinder's and leave for a few hours before spinning over, will make a mess but soon cleared up .

[gbb483]

I would leave the fuel pump active and check that no fuel comes out the overflow (would indicate a cut-off valve stuck open). I'm not sure how to check a cut-off valve stuck shut. Either way, if it refuses to start when you first try, strip the carbs down.

Also be prepared for the clutch disc to be stuck to the flywheel or pressure plate, and for at least one of the wheels to refuse to turn due to the brakes being seized.

[Lingen]

As Neil wrote, if there is anything in the fuel tank, whatever it is it will no longer run an engine! Get it out one way or another before adding fresh.
Mike.

[jbuckl]

I would leave the fuel pump active and check that no fuel comes out the overflow (would indicate a cut-off valve stuck open). I'm not sure how to check a cut-off valve stuck shut. Either way, if it refuses to start when you first try, strip the carbs down.

Also be prepared for the clutch disc to be stuck to the flywheel or pressure plate, and for at least one of the wheels to refuse to turn due to the brakes being seized.

If the engine is being cranked for building up oil pressure (as suggested by Neil) before firing, keeping the fuel on will probably cause undesirable bore washing

[stonedrive]

Hi all, many thanks for all your responses,very much appreciated. Cheers Steve

[paul jorgensen]

Hi Steve
i had a similar issue only mine was about 8 years.
The first thing I did was remove the fuel tank, I then removed the plugs and squirted oil into the cylinders before turning the engine over by hand about 20 revolutions. I then turned it over on the starter to build the oil pressure up.
i put the fuel fuel pipe from the tank into a fuel can and switched the ignition on, the carb overflow leaked fuel, i removed the carbs and found one of the float valves sticking. I refitted the carbs, went to start it and it fired up straight away. As suggested an oil change would be a good idea before doing what I did.
good luck..
paul

[stonedrive]

Hi Paul, many thanks for info all great suggestions I will take that all onboard. Cheers Steve

[Paulfrazer]

Check the viscous coupling on the fan is still free. My car was laid up for a long while by the previous owner and the coupling was seized

[stonedrive]

Hi all, I’ve come across a problem,taking the plugs out to squirt a little oil in, drivers side second spark plug in from back of engine has water in the plug hole. This doesn’t sound good. Cheers Steve

[MandM]

Hi Steve, if you need an endoscope to have a look in the bores you know I,m just along the coast.