Club 80-90 Forums

Hi. Any thoughts on using a blowtorch (piddly one, not a flamethrower) to try to get the plugs out of a dg that been stood for maybe ten years...I don't even want to try to turn it over until they're out. Cheers

Diesel / penetrating oil around the threads to soak first.

Has it been exposed, or just stood. Water jacket full, or empty ?

Thanks, I've only tried WD40 for a couple of days. I've been told it sat outside for ten years plus, I found a tax disc from 2001 but surely nothing would survive that long? I don't know yet about the coolant system, can't see anything in the header. It's got oil in the sump and I could only just smell petrol fumes when I got the filler cap off. I got it for bits, but then had a longer look and wondered if it could be saved.
The offside outer sill, lower middle panel, rear lower panels, front lower panel and cab steps are all finished, also found the cab floor had rotted due to a small leak maybe via the windscreen seal. Hadn't heard before about using diesel, I'll get some on it tomorrow. Thanks again.

Thinking about this, parrafin may be better.

So it's a complete van, engine still fitted.

Yes, plugs out, and then try and turn it over by hand first

Thanks I'll give it a go.

Not sure if this should be a new topic, but after getting the plugs out I didn't have a socket to fit the crank pulley. I tried the pulley on the off chance to see if there was any movement and it turned by hand with very little effort. The plugs from the left hand (looking from the rear) cylinders look a little 'oiled' but the other side very clean. Could the ease of turning it by hand and the oily plugs suggest worn bores/rings? It's done @100,000 (genuine?). Still trying to decide whether it's worth the effort? Thanks

That's a good sign.

If it turns over two complete turns then i would turn it over on the starter next. Then a compression test and after than, clean up the plugs, pour some fresh fuel down the throat of the carb and she's if she's a runner.

The oily plugs are possibly from worn valve guides

Thanks Carrera, just trying to remove the old fuel lines to bypass them (the outlet on the tank has rotted). Just petrol not an easy start type of thing?

Just fresh petrol, and just pour it in the carb, no need to worry about fuel lines. If it starts it will run for a few seconds

Thanks much appreciated.