Charles,
"H" in the engine number means high compression.
Marvel Myserty oil in the cylinders is probably better bet when you try to
turn it over. If it is in fact seized, you should turn it over by hand
using the crank bolt.
The carbs are likely "shellaced" in their last used position from the dried
up gas. You'll need to dissemble and clean them thoroughly to remove the
varnish. The cooling system should be flushed, as I've found that deposits
develop from the aluminum parts over the years.
When you get this far and things are moving around again, make sure that
when you crank the engine, you do it with no spark until you see some build
on pressure in the oil pressure gauge. Often after long periods on non-use,
an air pocket will develop in the oil pump and you'll need to hand prime it
via the pressure relief valve first.
This, along with the other suggestions you'll get, should keep you busy for
a while.
Gerard
At 10:03 PM -0500 11/28/99, Charles D. Sorkin wrote:
>On this tricky topic, I shall soon be able to offer my own first hand
>opinion. Over the weekend, I came into the possession of a white 1968
>Sprite Mark IV.
>
>Serial No: HAN 92176643G
>Engine No: 12CD Da H 7693 (The "A" was a very small type)
>Chassis No: HAW 90 6643G (Or close, its pretty greasy down there)
>
>Is there anything unusual about these numbers? How can I tell if it is a
>high compression engine?
>
>Perhaps my brief meetings with Frank has caused me to acquire some sort of
>Spridget accumulation disease... :-)
>
>Anyway, its not running presenetly. Brakes seem to work. Engine is siezed;
>I filled the cylinders with WD-40 and penetrating oil. Wheels roll, and
>steering seems to function.
>
>Once I get the engine unseized, what's the proper procedure for starting a
>car that has sat for many years?
>
>Is the key supposed to be smaller than normal modern car keys?
>
>One final question... how does one test the condition of the carbs? There
>was oil in the dashpots, but the plungers were difficult to replace.
>
>
>Regards,
>
>Charles
>'74 Midget
>'68 Sprite (Xmas present for the Missus)
>cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com
>Bloomfield, NJ
G G Gerard Chateauvieux
E A
R R pixelsmith@gerardsgarage.com
A A
R G Pixelsmith on Duty
D E
S http://www.gerardsgarage.com
|