From: Barry Lovelock
Date: 21/02/00
Time: 11:16:31
Remote Name: 194.168.73.197
I would change the oil (and petrol otherwise it will not start). Turn it over on the handle to check compression, some penetrating oil down the bores will help unstick the rings. Clean or replace the points. If you take of the sump you will see just how badly it is gummed up, if really bad then a strip down will probably be advisible. You may well find that the rear roller bearing is very noisy due to water/rust corrosion where it has been left standing. If you do get it started watch the oil pressure carefully, it will go off the clock for several minutes before the oil is warm if it is a 2 bearing crankshaft engine (0 -10 psi on the gauge), then settle down to about 1 - 5 psi idling. It may well go off the clock with a 3 bearing too, the 3 bearing runs at higher pressure, but in both cases listen carefully for knocking if the oil jets block It will run the ends if this happens if you don't shut off soon enough. Take out the two brass plugs on the offside of the crankcase top and poke with wire to clean. If they do block I would strip the engine and scrupulously clean the oilways out. As it was used last in 1984 you may get away with it. Good luck.