Starting / MOT a car which has sat for five years.
Discussion
I've been pondering this a little - I have an MG TF and have done most jobs on it at some point.
Since you know the history, as it's yours - if the cambelt was miles or time expired when you laid it up - I'd at least be popping the roof over and lifting the inspection hatch to then take the upper plastic cover off and see if the belt looks OK.
For a short start, it'll probably be fine, but if the cam or accessory belt pulleys are making funny noises cos the bearing have seized, stop it immediately.
As a contra view to me saying it'll probably be fine, I do also have an engine here right now I'm putting in the ultima and it won't be starting AT ALL without a new cambelt - it is shot.
So just use your judgement.
Personally, I don't do oil down the cylinder unless I think it's seized and I'm chancing my arm to get it going again, since if there is any moisture on the rings that has rusted a little - the oil just turns it to grinding paste. Doesn't do the lambda & cat's any favours either.
That's why I said fast idle above - to sling oil off the crank onto the cylinder liners as well. But it's OK, we all have a slightly different approach.
When you put fresh fuel in it - turn the ign off and on again a few times to cycle the pump and purge any old fuel out of the fuel lines as well.
But quite probably, that 5 year old fuel will still be OK to fire it up anyway.
Since you know the history, as it's yours - if the cambelt was miles or time expired when you laid it up - I'd at least be popping the roof over and lifting the inspection hatch to then take the upper plastic cover off and see if the belt looks OK.
For a short start, it'll probably be fine, but if the cam or accessory belt pulleys are making funny noises cos the bearing have seized, stop it immediately.
As a contra view to me saying it'll probably be fine, I do also have an engine here right now I'm putting in the ultima and it won't be starting AT ALL without a new cambelt - it is shot.
So just use your judgement.
Personally, I don't do oil down the cylinder unless I think it's seized and I'm chancing my arm to get it going again, since if there is any moisture on the rings that has rusted a little - the oil just turns it to grinding paste. Doesn't do the lambda & cat's any favours either.
That's why I said fast idle above - to sling oil off the crank onto the cylinder liners as well. But it's OK, we all have a slightly different approach.
When you put fresh fuel in it - turn the ign off and on again a few times to cycle the pump and purge any old fuel out of the fuel lines as well.
But quite probably, that 5 year old fuel will still be OK to fire it up anyway.
To wrap this up!
Firstly, thanks to all for advice, help and laughs!!
Summary -
New Battery fitted...
Syphoned as much old fuel out as I could out...
10L of fresh fuel in the tank...
Topped up the oil...
Fuel pump fuse out, engine primed...
Connect up the 2.0 TDI Audi via jump leads to it, just in case it needs a bit of oomph...
AND...
It started first time!
No hesitancy, just as if I had parked it up the day before. It's now in for it's MOT. Fingers crossed!
Cheers chaps!!!
Firstly, thanks to all for advice, help and laughs!!
Summary -
New Battery fitted...
Syphoned as much old fuel out as I could out...
10L of fresh fuel in the tank...
Topped up the oil...
Fuel pump fuse out, engine primed...
Connect up the 2.0 TDI Audi via jump leads to it, just in case it needs a bit of oomph...
AND...
It started first time!
No hesitancy, just as if I had parked it up the day before. It's now in for it's MOT. Fingers crossed!
Cheers chaps!!!
Tony1963 said:
Tyre Smoke said:
It's a MG TF Mr Deacon!
I don't remember a diesel variant.
BrilliantI don't remember a diesel variant.
I will of course request the site admin delete my account and posting history immediately.
...and to completely close off this saga - it's only just gone and passed it's MOT!!! 
I just need a new home for it now, preferably close to home (Glasgow / Paisley / Renfrew) so I can get to use it.
I've started another topic asking on here but please do PM me if you read this and know of somewhere local to me that's affordable, safe and secure. Thanks!
My only grump after all this is that today I found out tax starts at beginning of the month - not on the day of application!!! agghhh!
I just need a new home for it now, preferably close to home (Glasgow / Paisley / Renfrew) so I can get to use it.
I've started another topic asking on here but please do PM me if you read this and know of somewhere local to me that's affordable, safe and secure. Thanks!
My only grump after all this is that today I found out tax starts at beginning of the month - not on the day of application!!! agghhh!
Edited by GretaGray on Wednesday 28th July 17:19
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