[TR] Help needed starting a dormant engine

[Ben Zwissler]

Steve,

I'd try it without the rebuild, but treat it like a fresh rebuild when 
starting it.  I assume all hoses, belts, etc have been replaced, 
ignition parts are all fresh and set properly.  Check valve lash.  I'd 
put in all fresh fluids with some ZDDP added to the oil.  I always like 
to pressure test the cooling system for leaks before a first start - 
avoids surprises, but not essential.  Remove plugs, put a couple squirts 
of motor oil in each cylinder.  With plugs still out, crank until you 
get oil pressure.  Might want to have fuel to carbs disconnected at this 
point to avoid flooding if you end doing extended cranking.  Of course, 
extended cranking without oil pressure is a sign of a problem.  Usually 
doesn't take much more than a couple normal-length cranks to build 
pressure.  Put plugs back in and start it up.

I resurrected a 73 Midget that had been sitting for 20 years.  I rebuilt 
the engine, but all I did to the tranny (no O/D) and differential was 
inspect, install new gaskets and change the fluids.  No problems.  I 
also stored a newly rebuilt TR4A engine for 20 years with assembly lube 
but no fluids.  Did what I described above and had no problems.  YMMV.

Ben.....


Ben Zwissler
bjzwissler at gmail.com
Columbus, IN
1966 Triumph TR4A
1973 MG Midget
1980 Triumph TR8
2007 Mazda RX8
2002 Yamaha FZ1
2003 Honda ST1300


On 12/13/2010 2:00 PM, triumphs-request at autox.team.net wrote:
> Date: Sun, 12 Dec 2010 14:31:45 -0600
> From: "Steve Thornton"<sothornton at stevethorntonlaw.com>
> Subject: Re: [TR] Help needed starting a dormant engine
> To:<triumphs at autox.team.net>
> Cc: John Swauger<jswauger at comcast.net>
> Message-ID:
> 	<894814762C6AC84896B8CC3C72CDD2BBC3A8CC at SOTSERVER.stevethorntonlaw.local>
> 	
> Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"
>
>   Hello list-
>
>
>
> I need the collective wisdom of this list.
>
> I have a 63 Mk II Jaguar that I love. Over the past decade I have been
> doing an amateur restoration on it after a light engine fire. By TR
> standards, I have spent a lot of money refurbishing the interior, wood,
> paint and changing disc to wire wheels. The car is not really that
> valuable I realize, but I just like Mk II's.
>
> Here is my question- after the fire I pulled the engine and attached it
> to a stand. I cosmetically restored the head and block to the correct
> color. It freely turns, but has been sitting for 10 years. The engine
> ran well when pulled. What should I do to the engine before reinstalling
> it? Am I crazy for not having it rebuilt? Does anyone know of a reliable
> and good Jaguar rebuilder close to Kentucky?
>
> I have the same issue with the overdrive tranny. It ran well when
> pulled. Should I send it off for inspection and a rebuild?
>
> Many thanks in advance for your input. Although I don't post often, I
> have considered this list invaluable over the years and thanks to Mark
> for all of his efforts for keeping it going.
>
>
> Steve Thornton
> Bowling Green, KY
>
> 1968 Triumph TR 250
> 1963 Jaguar Mk II
> 1963 Harley Davidson Topper
> 2000 Indian Chief
> 2007 Harley Davidson Heritage Springer
>