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Stored car

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J

JAS

Freshman Member
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I have just received a 1979 MGB. This car has not been started for 20 years. It was not stored properly. Just left in a garage. The engine has very low miles. What are the steps necessary to get this car running?
thanks
 
JAS,

First, drain the fluids and replace...filters included.

Visually check the wire harness to make sure there are no visible exposed wiring. Drain the fuel tank and, if possible, use one of the fuel tank cleaners to clean it out. Gas turns to tar after a few years. Remove and clean the carb float bowls DRAIN THE TANK AGAIN BEFORE you attempt a "turn it over"... Check ALL fluids for metal fragments...

Once this is done, put a SMALL amount of fuel, a gallon or so, in the tank. Charge the battery and turn the key to 'ON' <u>not</u> start. The fuel pump 'should' click, click, click....CHECK for fuel leaks and repair as necessary...

Once this is done, MAKE SURE that you have a fire extinguisher in your hand and turn the key to start...

If I have missed a point... I am all ears /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

Good luck, Sir....
 
ronzet said:
Once this is done, MAKE SURE that you have a fire extinguisher in your hand and turn the key to start...
Click to expand...

HooBoi!!! Truer words...

The link to Tony's "Awaking a Sleeping B" are the best "guide" to accomplishing the task. Don't "skip" a step out of over-enthusiasm, either! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
 
I keep a copy of Awakening next to my bed and study it before I go to sleep.
 
Vince, you're a sick individual.

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

...glad ya found th' BCF!!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif
 
One more word of caution if I may.....you might as well swap out the water pump before starting the car for the first time. After such a period of inactivity, no matter what the mileage, the original one will be toast. They do not take well to inactivity.

Ask me how I know this /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif
 
"Vince, you're a sick individual." Maybe Vince studies that so he knows how to wake up in the morning /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif

I would not put any money on the fuel pump taking off after this amount of time without having run. Remove the pump, take the end cover off and shine up the points with some 400 grit sandpaper. Keep after the contacts until the pump will run when hooked up to a battery.
Cheers,
 
In addition to the above expect the clutch to be frozen in place along with the rear brake shoes if the hand brake (emergency brake) was applied when the car was stopped.

Cheers , Pete.
 
David_DuBois said:
"Vince, you're a sick individual." Maybe Vince studies that so he knows how to wake up in the morning /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif

I would not put any money on the fuel pump taking off after this amount of time without having run. Remove the pump, take the end cover off and shine up the points with some 400 grit sandpaper. Keep after the contacts until the pump will run when hooked up to a battery.
Cheers,
Click to expand...

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif
 
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