11 replies to this topic

[JonnyAlpha]

Hi;

 

I am finally re-building my Mini after a 4 year restoration and today I wired up the battery just to check it out.

 

Once the battery was connected I turned the Ignition Key, not sure if it turned over temporally but now the solenoid click and I can hear the starter spinning but not engaging. My guess is that the starter is stuck due to being out of operation for so long? If I recall tapping it with a hammer might help?

 

Anyway before I connect up the exhaust and fuel etc what are the best tips for prepping an engine that has been standing for so long?

 

I have a complete servicing kit - Oil, Filters, Points and Plugs etc but want to see that the engine turns and fires before I service it in case I have to do anything more major?

 

  

[AlexMozza]

Make sure you build up oil pressure before hand.
You might need to re prime the oil pump to help this.

[JonnyAlpha]

Make sure you build up oil pressure before hand.
You might need to re prime the oil pump to help this.

Lost me already ? 

[nicklouse]

Prime the pump,
Remove the plugs.

Spin it over till oil pressure.

If starter needs looking at do do.

If battery old change.

Add fuel.

Maybe spray some easy start in the carb yo aid the first start.

[AlexMozza]

As the car has been sat for a while, most of the oil will have drained back to the gearbox.
To help build up oil pressure, the pump needs oil in it before hand.

To do the take out the banjo bolt on the pipe running from the oil filter to the top of the block.
Try and get some oil down the hole.

[JonnyAlpha]

As the car has been sat for a while, most of the oil will have drained back to the gearbox.
To help build up oil pressure, the pump needs oil in it before hand.

To do the take out the banjo bolt on the pipe running from the oil filter to the top of the block.
Try and get some oil down the hole.

Put the oil in the top of the block and not the tube?

[Spider]

 

As the car has been sat for a while, most of the oil will have drained back to the gearbox.
To help build up oil pressure, the pump needs oil in it before hand.

To do the take out the banjo bolt on the pipe running from the oil filter to the top of the block.
Try and get some oil down the hole.

Put the oil in the top of the block and not the tube?

 

 

Yes.

 

Do a search on the forum say under 'priming oil pump' you'll get about 10 000 000 hits as it seems to come up every week.

[gazza82]

Change the oil first ... I shudder to think what four year old oil looks like ...

[JonnyAlpha]

Let's hope I don't have to change the oil pump!!

 

[tiger99]

I would be concerned about rust in teh cylinder bores, which is very likely to cause piston rings to break. Best have the head off for a quick look, before turning the engine over again.

 

Also, when reactivating a car that has been standing for a long time, please be very aware that corrosion in the brake and clutch hydraulic cylinders is very likely, and often results in seal damage, and failure within a couple of weeks. For safety's sake it should all be stripped and examined, at the very least. And, NEVER drive with 4 year old brake fluid.

[carbon]

Op says the starter motor is spinning OK but not engaging.

 

If it's the old style inertia starter then chances are there's some muck on the bendix gear spiral. Give it a good clean and get rid of any oil residues with solvent.

 

The recommendation is to not have any lubrication on this spiral, as alternative I have been using PTFE dry spray lubricant. You can get this in places like Toolstation just over £3 for a can: http://www.toolstati...FE Spray/p63929

[mk1leg]

Let's hope I don't have to change the oil pump!!

 

I like how every part he takes off is very clean and the fly bolt undid with just 1 hand when I do this my son has to hold the engine first and when the case comes off its spotless no a drop of oil......me thinks this has been pre dissassembled so not to have to clean after every part is removed