>Should I even try to crank it over with an oil/spark plug change? The
engine is complete and all the gears on the transmission
engage/disengage easily. It is tempting but I am afraid I will do more
>damage which means more $$$$.
Bobby,
When I read your posting, I thought I was reading about me! Milou
was in a grandmother's garage for nineteen years. I filled the tires
with "flat-in-a-can" to roll it out and onto a flatbed trailer.
I spent about $750 to replace the tires, all the rubber, rebuild the
brakes, clutch hydraulics, fuel, and cooling system. The water pump was
a corroded mess. I washed out the gas tank, and flushed the radiator.
HOWEVER, I squirted a few tablespoons of light oil into the cylinders,
and with the plugs out, and fresh oil in the sump, cranked the engine
until oil pressure came up. Then I replaced the plugs and fired it up!
That was nine years ago, and she runs fine!
The next year I replaced the dried out leather and seat foam, and I
have a wonderful MGA to enjoy!
If you can, use the hand-crank to turn the engine gently at first to
determine if it's seized.
My clutch was seized, but with the back up on blocks, a few slamming-on
of brakes with the engine revved up broke the clutch free.
Good Luck!!!!!!
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| "MILOU" '57 MGA Roadster * - Y2K Compliant
| "TINTIN" '66 MG/MGB-GT * - Y2K Compliant
| N/A '88 ISUZU Trooper*
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|