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MG MGA - Starting an engine after a long lay off

Haven't started the MGB 1800 engine in my MGA for 2/3 years now (taxi service for my 12 yr old and a house renovation...)

I vaguely remember being told to take the plugs out and pour some oil into each one ?, turn the engine over without the plugs for 1 min, then put plugs in and away you go...

Is this right ..?

A Stojanovic

Not an expert on that one but sounds reasonable to me. I would also keep cranking to see the oil pressure off the stop. Presume you meant cranking over on the starter rather than hand cranking? One minute on the starter might be a bit long and hot for it. Probably worth shorter stints and allow for some cooling.

The fuel in the carb pots is also going to be very stale, if not totally evaporated. Worth emptying the pots and filling with fresh to get her going. Can't be certain what the rest of the fuel is likely to be in the tank!

Steve
Steve Gyles

You can take off the valve cover and oil up the rockers and valves too---
gary starr

1. When you turn on the ignition listen for the pump tick and if it's silent you will need to clean the points.

2. The clutch plate may have stuck to the flywheel and you won't be able to get it into gear. There is more than one way to cure this.

3. Also it would be a good idea to clean the dist. points........................Mike
m.j. moore

Crank it over a bit without the ignition on to get oil circulating in the system prior to it starting.
Bill Haglan

Just pour a teaspoonful of petrol in each plug hole and start the darned thing
Iain MacKintosh

This thread was discussed between 16/03/2015 and 19/03/2015

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