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starting old engine
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=50806		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  screech [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 5:36 pm ]
Post subject:  starting old engine
I'm looking for info on starting an engine that hasn't been started in a long time.

I've been searching but can't think of the right key words.

if anyone can post some info, help me find a previous thread or provide a step by step idea of what I should be doing that would be great.

I guess I have a couple of questions about it too -
Can I use the battery out of my barina?
What should I be doing to the engine to get it going so I dont break anything.
What tools should I take with me as this car is not near my home.

Thanks
Cass
Author:  simon k [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 5:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: starting old engine
screech wrote:
Can I use the battery out of my barina? yep, but what model is the mini, because there is a chance it's positive earth. I don't know if there is an easy way to check.. other than that if there is an alternator, then it's negative, if it's got a generator, it might be positive

What should I be doing to the engine to get it going so I dont break anything. put an oil container cap full of oil down each spark plug hole before you turn it over

What tools should I take with me as this car is not near my home.
at least a spark plug remover and a shifter for the battery terminals ;)
Author:  screech [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 5:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Simon.

I feel like a bit of a nob. I know nothing about this mini that I'm buying. I'm going to go look at it before I hand the money over for it just to make sure its not a rust bucket, then I will be making a second trip to bring it home. As this will be my first mini and I have now idea I'm probably annoying the bgeebers out of you guys. But I'm planning ahead, someone said I should start it to get it on the trailer, as there won't be anywhere to get the trailer on level with thecar, and I dont fancy pushing it up the ramps with two old guys.
Author:  ryan [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 5:59 pm ]
Post subject: 
Where is it located? Can you maybe ask on here if there is anyone available
to come and help you. If the car was running when it was parked, you should in theory be able to start it. However there may be a number of small issues such as loose (or chewed through) wires that may stop you.

As simon said, a little bit of oil in each spark plug hole. Crank the motor over before you start it so that you get oil pressure. Similarly check the oil level and water level etc before starting it.

Ryan
Author:  sgc [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
Oil down the bores is a good idea, but if it's been sitting for a very long time you might find the rings have rusted to the bores. A little engine oil right before you turn it over might not be enough, I'd be more comfortable either using a thinner oil (diesel maybe?) or leaving the oil in there for a day or two to soak and soften any rust.

If you're starting it, make sure it has a full sump of clean engine oil and turn it on the starter motor with the spark plugs removed for a bit to allow the oil pressure to come up. Then put the plugs back and let it fire.

If it has a battery in it at the moment, just check the polarity and make sure you hook your new one up the same way.

Depending where it's been stored, take the air filter off and make sure there's no crap in the intake ready to be sucked into the engine when you fire it up.

[edit] As for tools, as Simon said.. a spark plug wrench, and adjustable wrench for the battery, a flat and phillips head screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a roll of gaffa tape and cable ties are what I'd have in my emergency kit :D
Author:  screech [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
I think I'm gonna ask for my van threads to be mushed together :P

So basically if I go see it say a week or 2 before I pick it up - and take some new oil, some desil oil (is two stroke a bad idea?) and a a handbag of tools.

Change the oil (new filter as well?)
put some oil down the bores - how much oil? and are the bores and the holes where the spark plugs go the same thing?
check the air filters.

then come back and give it a go.?
Author:  mini_mad_matt [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:45 pm ]
Post subject: 
And if you do get it started, dont be too concerned if it blows lots of smoke after you just put oil in the cylinders :D

I wouldnt say you need to change the oil, just check the dipstick for the level and its ok if the oil is blackish as long as its not gluggy, crud like or milky.

Put the oil in where the plugs go, which is into the bore and like someone said, a capfull off a 5ltr oil bottle would be a suitable amount, just dont overkill. If you have access to a little oil can, that you can point in and squirt is best, so then you dont just fill up the dish of the piston.
Author:  screech [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 6:48 pm ]
Post subject: 
what if the oil is white?
Author:  mini_mad_matt [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:18 pm ]
Post subject: 
White? i've never seen white oil, but milky might be described as white i guess. This means there is water in the oil which does not bode well for the condition of the engine.

Clean oil might look clear on a dipstick, or golden/brownish getting blacker the more dirty. If you think the oil looks milky/white take off the oil filler cap and have a look inside, if it all looks nice and normal, or if it has lots of sludge and whitish/milky buildup.
Author:  superSeven [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
also if you turn it over with plugs out, but can't get oil pressure, you will have to reverse prime the oil pump.. if you search for reverse prime oil pump on here you should get plenty of info on how to do it.. piece of cake really.

if oil is white, it could just be condensation over the years, or worse :(

maybe drain, flush with some cheap oil, and refill?
Author:  sgc [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
mini_mad_matt wrote:
take off the oil filler cap and have a look inside, if it all looks nice and normal, or if it has lots of sludge and whitish/milky buildup.


If this engine has been parked for years, all the water is likely to have evaporated from under the oil filler cap. There's not going to be much emulsion there..

OTOH, if there is water in the oil it'll show up when the motor runs and gets warm. Frankly, if it was an engine I cared about I'd just drain the oil and refill with new. For the purposes of driving it onto a trailer I wouldn't worry about the filter...

A capful or two of oil per cylinder will probably be enough. If you put too much in it can cause compression lockup or a blown head gasket, neither of which are particularly healthy.
Author:  screech [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:35 pm ]
Post subject: 
i think I'll deffinately be taking someone who knows more than me with me then.
Author:  Dylans Clubby [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:44 pm ]
Post subject: 
sgc wrote:
...turn it on the starter motor with the spark plugs removed for a bit to allow the oil pressure to come up.


won't this squirt oil all over the place? if there is a bit of oil down the bores...
Author:  mini_mad_matt [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:45 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
If this engine has been parked for years, all the water is likely to have evaporated from under the oil filler cap. There's not going to be much emulsion there..


That is true there might not be and emulsion visable, but if there was emulsion when it was sat there its is likely there will be rust on the rocker gear etc.

Petrol may also be a problem, so maybe take a jerry can you can fill up if you need to
Author:  sgc [ Mon Mar 02, 2009 7:46 pm ]
Post subject: 
Dylan's Clubby wrote:
sgc wrote:
...turn it on the starter motor with the spark plugs removed for a bit to allow the oil pressure to come up.


won't this squirt oil all over the place? if there is a bit of oil down the bores...


If you've just put lots in there maybe.. but leave it for a couple of days and it'll all leak past the rings ;)
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