Starting an A-Series after ~30years

[MMS29948]

Hello

I'm hoping to start the engine in my MM (normalish 948 A-series) after about 30 years. It was running fine when last used and there's no obvious problem now. I've turned it on the handle and it rotates freely. Before attempting to fire it up, are there any particular thoughts about what I should do / not do from those that have knowledge or experience of reawakening an A-series?

Many thanks.

[Dean]

Give it a good service (the usual stuff). Plugs, points, check leads.

Change any pipes that look past it. Especially the fuel one that goes from pump to carb.

Refill rad with fresh water and 30% anti freeze mix.

Don't mess with the timing if it was working ok before.

Give the carb a clean and prime it with fresh petrol.

Put some fuel into the tank.

Re-charge battery.

Cross fingers and give it a try.


If you are going to move it, make sure the gearbox and rear diff have oil in...... and the brakes work.

[Jefftav]

I'd also make sure you drain and refill the engine with fresh oil and a new filter, then spin it up on the starter without the spark plugs to check that you can get good oil pressure and that there are no nasty noises.

[beero]

Mine was stood idle for 20 odd years and I found one of the exhaust valves was stuck down, rusted in the guide, so remove the rocker cover and make sure all the valves move when you turn the engine over.
Worth doing a compression test, mine failed miserably, valve seats rusty and gummed up rings.
Worth doing before you fork out on new oil, etc for an engine you may have to dismantle to repair.
Good luck with yours.

[simmitc]

The advice above is all good and should be followed; but time after time, I've found with the A-series that however you leave it, a bit of fresh petrol and turn the key. That's the beauty of these simple engines.

[alainmoran]

While you have the plugs out, squirt some oil down the bores and turn it over by hand using the handle (with the plugs out) ... start slowly and wind it up until you are going as fast as you can - this will help to clear out any rust that may have gathered in the bores without adding explosions to the mix ;)

[bmcecosse]

After 30 years......the sump will have a thick layer of crud in the bottom - I would remove and clean it! And yes - oil down the bores and crank it till the oil pressure comes up before even thinking of starting it. And yes - the valve seats are indeed v likely to be in a bad way now. Well worth removing the head for a check/regrind.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

Bear in mind if you're running the engine on the bench not to do it for too long - no coolant.

[MMS29948]

Thanks, everyone, for all the advice. Working my way through the checks now. I'll let you know how I get on.