Club 80-90 Forums

Just got a new project that has been stood for a couple of years not started etc. What would be things to do or check before trying to get it started ? Also what to check if it does not fire?
Engine is a 1.9 dg.

Any handy pointers would be much appreciated! Petrols are not my thing normally!

Just noticed you have not had any replies to this yet, so here goes.

Firstly you will need a decent battery fitted. I take it the one on the van will be cream cracker'ed.

You will need to feed the engine with some fresh petrol. At this stage, if was me, I wouldn't drain the tank and put fresh in, I would (with a friend) arrange a temporary fuel supply feeding into the fuel pump. I would use a strong plastic bottle.

Then I would take the plugs out. Some PlusGas (note = NOT WD40 ;:) or even a few drips of Diesel fuel around the base of the plugs should help them come out easier.

Check the oil level and coolant levels.

Then spin the engine over on the starter. Whilst doing so check the plugs are sparking (earthed against the crankcase). TAKE CARE a shock from the electronic ignition on these vans can be VERY nasty. A very dry towel can be used to hold them against the case. This engine spinning over will also get the oil moving around the engine. Don't worry if the tappets make a loud clicking noise. They will at this stage.

Then take the pipe off the carb and check that fuel is squirting out when the engine is spun over. Use a plastic bottle to catch the fuel and remember the plugs will be sparking !! Have a fire extinguisher to hand, just in case.

Then put the plugs back in, put the fuel pipe back on the carb and fire it up. It will likely sound very tappety

If all goes well, allow it to warm up a bit and then switch it off.

Then you can drain the tank of the old fuel and put some fresh in

Then an oil and filter change = 15/40 NON synth oil and a "Mann" filter from the VW dealers (cheap)

Then a full coolant flush then change, with Comma Extreme red at 50% which means you need 2 gallon of it

The tappets will very likely sound awful until it has been for a good long run (20 or 30 miles usually)

Anyone wish to add anything ?

A good burst of Easi-start. Stale petrol can often take an age for an operational age to fire over.

what2d wrote:A good burst of Easi-start. Stale petrol can often take an age for an operational age to fire over.

Sorry, cannot agree with the EasyStart I am afraid. (imho of course) It can break piston rings on a Petrol engine (and a Diesel too). The stale petrol I agree with of course, which is why I said don't use the fuel in the tank

Ghost's post is spot on way to go. I would just be carefull of old fuel hoses as they break like dry carrots. Maybe renew ones in engine bay at least before starting.

If the van is a keeper - it would make sense to remove the fuel - replace with new - replace all the fuel pipes
At a minimum change the oil and oil filter for good
Two years is not a long time for the engine to stand - BUT in this time birds build nests - Alternators seize -
I prefer to remove the plugs and squirt a little engine oil in the bores and then spin it over NOT even trying to start it to ensure that 1) it will spin over 2) engine oil light goes out - suggesting pressure
I also remove one connection off the coil so as to prevent a spark when spinning it over and priming up the fuel system
I have also had to suck the fuel up to the carb on occassions due to the lift pump being slightly weak and dry from standing - once primed No Problemsr !
Alternatively it might be prudent to fit an electric priming pump - I can't suggest one that will work on your carb - I would tend to use something generic Or SU Carb suitable ( I.e Low Pressure)