Advice needed: First Mini project

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Stuart - 02 Dec 2003 12:07 GMT

Hi,

I just bought my first Mini, yesterday. It's an old 1979 Mini 1000
(LHD). It's been sitting since 2001, and the engine hasn't been turned
over since then, either. (around 80,000KM on the clock, )

Can anyone give me any advice as to what to do with the engine? Could I
damage an A-series engine if I try starting it after changing the oil,
petrol and spark plugs, etc? Or should I simply forget about trying to
start it and just strip it down straight away?

As for the rest of the car, the panels around the grill area will need
to be replaced, along with at least one wing, possibly both. I could see
very little rust underneath the car, though, which pleased me. No rust
in the boot either, and the footwells didn't seem to bad, either.

Any advice apprecited!

Stuart

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Graham - 02 Dec 2003 13:08 GMT

> It's been sitting since 2001, and the engine hasn't been turned
> over since then, either. (around 80,000KM on the clock, )
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> petrol and spark plugs, etc? Or should I simply forget about trying to
> start it and just strip it down straight away?

If you're concerned about damaging the motor by starting it after a long
break, pull out all four spark plugs. Pour no more than about half a
teaspoon of oil in each one and cover the holes with a rag. Turn the
motor over on the starter until the oil pressure light goes out, then
reassemble everything and start it normally. The oil will cause a great
cloud of smoke at first, but this will clear quickly.

I pulled the head off my 1098cc A series once after it had been sitting
for several years, but it was absolutely spotless inside, so I just put
it back together and started it. That motor was rebuilt in 1987 and is
run maybe once or twice a year and usually starts first try.

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Stuart - 03 Dec 2003 07:56 GMT

> > It's been sitting since 2001, and the engine hasn't been turned
> > over since then, either. (around 80,000KM on the clock, )
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> it back together and started it. That motor was rebuilt in 1987 and is
> run maybe once or twice a year and usually starts first try.

Thanks, Graham! I won't start working on it until after Christmas, but
then I'll give that a go.

Stuart

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