Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 1953 flat rad

I'm going to have a look at a 1953 flat rad this weekend thst hasn't been started for about 4 years. Is it wise to turn the engine over if its been sitting for this length of time? Also can someone advise which buttons to press to start it as I gather its not as simple as turning a key in the lock? Thanks

Turn engine over by hand to check it hasn't seized, using rachet and socket on front crank nut.

Typical starting procedure from cold would be choke out, ignition on, press starter button with a little throttle. You may wish to check a few other items first assuming engine is free. State of oil, points, plugs etc. Obviously new charged battery and fresh petrol as well. As a minimum remove plugs and turn engine over to get oil circulating.

If you've not got time to do a 'recommission' I'd at least turn the engine a few times by hand slowly first to make sure nothing is siezed/locked or broken before hitting an electric start, and check all fluids.

Fuel is probably donkey after 4 years, so again at very least would probably drain the carb and get some fresh juice in there before starting.

Leroy

Give the points a bit of a clean first of all

Plugs out and a bit of diesel down the bores.

Coil disconnected and engine turned over until pressure shows on the guage.

Before you start it, and assuming there's some juice left in the battery how about a compression test to make sure all is well?

Starting should be as simple as turning the ignition switch on then pressing the starter button - assuming its got its original switches its the one marked S

Once going look for an oil pressure of around 50/60 psi - anymore and there's a possibility the relief valve has stuck.

Any lower will probably be expensive and engine rebuild time

Arwyn

When my 53 plus 4 sits for a while, you need to prime the mechanical pump by pulling the lever under the carb up a few times. A bit of carb start spray may also help if the fuel is 4 years old.

UNless you can hear the engine running then you are buying a car that is a non runner at the appropriate non runner price. If the seller wants to sell then the decision is up to him.

From a purely mechanical point of view the key thing is to have some oil circulation before starting since it will have drained over 4 years. Best way is to remove the plugs and then turn the engine on the starter until you have a pressure reading or the light goes out. An old style engine like that should run on old fuel so personally I would give it a go after the oil has circulated.

Thanks for all the advice. Didn't have a lot of time to spend with it, but needs a bit more of an investigation to get it going. Batter was on a trickle charger, and some lights did come on once key was turned but nothing when starter button pressed, so maybe a stuck solenoid. I'm not local to the car unfortunately so can't keep popping over to fiddle.

Is there someone in the MSCC who is an expert in flat rads and would be prepared to travel at cost to view the car on your behalf and express an opinion ? An inspection fee on top of that of say a couple of hundred pounds would be well worthwhile IMHO.

The fact that the starter won't work, likely for a trivial reason, and so the engine cannot be heard running may work in your favour. If the price is commensurate and you can afford worst case for an engine rebuild, then it could still be a good buy if original and complete.

Depends how much needed work you are willing to accept I guess.

BTW a tap with a soft hammer on the solenoid (wherever located) whilst someone else pushes starter button may free a stuck solenoid.

Leroy,
MSCC has a technical support service for older cars. The key contact is:-

Technical Services Secretary: John Torley - Tel: 07724 866441 (6pm-9pm please), email: techservices.sec@morgansportscarclub.com

Perhaps he can help