Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi

My saloon has been standing outside (covered by taurp' for x 2 years0 and I want to get her back on the road. Are there any do's and don't about starting a car, etc that has not been started for a long time? Would appreciate some guidance.

Thanks

Stevefinn

Check the oil and water, fresh fuel, remove the plugs and turn the engine over a dozen or so times with the starting handle to get the oil moving then replace plugs and give it a go ;)

Thanks. Appreciate your advice

stevefinn

Take the tarp off first ! Likely the battery will be 'gone' - so deal with that next. Take plugs out - and squirt some thin oil (maybe even diesel fuel) into the bores and let it soak in at least overnight. Then turn the engine over on the handle to make sure it's not seized up solid. Then check the water and oil level - add oil if necessary - and then crank it up on the starter until the oil pressure light goes out. Then fit the plugs - put some NEW petrol in the tank - and crank it up to see if it starts. The points may be oxidised and need cleaning - and likely the fuel pump points will also need cleaning. Once the engine is running - you can try the clutch and gears - but it's highly likely tyhe clutch plate will be stuck to the flywheel. Sometimes this will come loose if you just bring the engine right up to running temperature - and let the heat soak through into the flywheel. Otherwise you can try to tow-start it with the ignition off and you pumping the clutch up and down - and if none of that works, take the engine out. Finally - it's certain the brakes will be frozen ON and will need complete overhaul. Good luck!

And for my next trick? I will pray to the god of morris minors

Thanks for in-depth advice - really appreciated

Stevefinn

Take the tarp off first !

Lol.. I like it. That's on a par with 'Insert key into drivers door lock'

Clutch and brakes often free off with a bang if you push the car back and forth, I wish you the best of luck with this. It may just start and go, they're tenacious little wotsits.