Getting the 7 back on the road after 3 years-What to check?

[MikeGF]

Hi Everyone

Well, after 3 LONG years looks like I am finally in a position to get the 7 (W reg Superlight K series) back on the road.

During its laying up period I have rolled it regularly so the tyres don't mishape and started it every few months and driven it up and down the road and bringing it up up to temperature nicely.

So, the car is going to be booked in for a major service (not that handy with a spanner!) and MOT at our local Caterham friendly garage Finchampstead MOT centre - I live in Fleet, Hampshire.

Before I do this though, are there any checks I can carry out myself to see what may need replacing, fettling etc? As mentioned, not a genius with a spanner!

The battery needs replacing as it is shot, and everything looks OK, except for a covering of grime. There is also a patch of oil underneath, looking like it is below the gearbox, so assuming a leak from there.

Speedo also not working, but as this has happened before I have the access point on the centre tunnel.

Both rear anti roll bar mountings were an advisory on the last MOT so these will need doing too.

Any advice/guidance greatly appreciated, hoping to be back on the rad soon... Very excited!!

Cheers
MikeGF

[Kenneth Danmark]

I'd replace

- ALL fluids (including fuel)
- oil filter and (importantly) sump foam baffle (allegedly dissolves with time)
- cam belt (allegedly weakens were it's wrapped around pulleys when laid up for longer periods)

I'd check

- all hoses for cracks and tight connections (the latter particularly if you have silicon coolant hoses)
- the age of the tires (should not exceed five years; easy to forget when the car has been laid up for so long)

The underside of the 5-speed gearbox in my '96 K-Series 1.6 is somewhat greasy with oil, and there is the occasional drop oil in the garage. I've however been told that it's quite normal for that 'box and age, and nothing to worry about.

After a long lay-up, and before starting the engine for the first time in earnest, I always turn over the engine a couple of times (NOT in one long go) on the starter (with the cable to the distributor disconnected) to build up some oil pressure first. Seems to have worked over the last 18 years (touch wood..). Then I start the engine, with bonnet and nose cone removed, let it idle and check very carefully all over the place for leaks.