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Re: Restarting a dormant engine

To: "V & J Pina" <vping@optonline.net>, "MG-T list"
Subject: Re: Restarting a dormant engine
From: "Peter Thiel" <pthiel@QuixNet.net>
Date: Tue, 4 Feb 2003 00:23:49 -0500
Hi Vinnie,
    The main thing when restarting an engine like yours is that you have
good oil pressure to the vital points in the engine. Since oil goes to the
crankshaft first, and lastly to the rocker shaft, if you can see oil coming
from each rocker arm while cranking, you can be fairly well assured that oil
is reaching the other vital points of the engine.
    So let's back up a bit. Follow this as a general guide, only, and this
assumes all goes well. I will also presume that you are reasonably
mechanically adept. If not, ask questions!

1. Drain the old oil, change the filter, and refill the crankcase with clean
oil.
2. Remove the spark plugs so the engine can spin freely.
3. Remove the valve cover.
4. With the battery fully charged, spin the engine over with the starter,
being sure that the ignition switch is OFF - you don't want a fire now, do
you? Mice may shoot out of the exhaust pipe.
5. While the engine is spinning, watch closely at each rocker to make sure
oil emanates from each one. This should take 10 to 30 seconds. You should
also be able to read some pressure on the oil pressure gauge. If all is
well, proceed. If not, check the cause of no pressure.
6. Lubricate the water pump and check the belt. Try to wobble the fan shaft
to check.
7. At this point you will be wise to check spark plug gap and the condition
and gap of the points.
8. You may want to pull the tops of the float bowls to see what crud lurks
inside. (Have replacement gaskets handy.) Put tops back on.
9. Turn on ignition and listen for normal operation of the fuel pump. Check
for leaks.
10. If all is well, replace the spark plugs and valve cover and give it a
try. Assuming the gas hasn't spoiled, with the choke pulled out, the engine
should fire quickly and run. Listen and watch carefully. Any undue noises or
leaks should terminate this experiment until they are figured out and/or
fixed.

Others on the list can probably add some other precautions and procedures.
Listen well!
Where are you located?

Pete Thiel
53 TD

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