Good luck with the start up!!!
1 Like
Good luck with the firing up - hope it all goes well.
Fresh oil and a new cam belt would be my priority - to be on the safe side!
1 Like
Oh it’s ok I don’t trust myself. Booked my mechanic for an hour or so later!
1 Like
Allegedly, the cambelt engines are ‘non-interference’, so there should be no disasters from that quarter.
Still best changed though, I’m sure
2 Likes
I say dear boy, such bad form.
Was not like this in my day.
One must always think of the waterpump.
WPM old bean.
W ater
P umps
M atter.
Report fpr re-training 0600 hrs tomorrow morning at which point your stripes will be ripped orf on Parade in ceremony.
1 Like
If the car has stood for a really long time, it would be worth taking the plugs out and putting a small amount of WD40/oil in there to make sure that the top end is lubricated properly, as there will be no oil there anymore. It may be worth turning it over with the plugs out for a few times to get it lubricated first, then put the plugs back in and try properly? This comes from watching “chasing classic cars” and that font of much knowledge - Wheeler Dealers!!!
3 Likes
I suppose WD40 would be better than nothing but its lubricating properties are allegedly pretty poor.
WD is for water dispersant…
2 Likes
I was trying to think of something “oil” based, but not too heavy, but a teaspoon of regular motor oil would be ok. Perhaps put a bit of cloth over the plug holes to stop the oil from spraying everywhere when turning the engine over. By doing this before putting the plugs back in will protect the plugs from getting covered in oil.
1 Like
When I start my Triumph T100c up after the long winter sleep I squirt a little diesel into the cylinders the night before
1 Like
I have been known to put a little 50/50 petrol and two stroke oil down the plug holes.
If you want to give it the best chance of starting without wear/ damage and the engines been left unrun for years I’d be tempted to whip the cam cover off and lube up the top end. Also if you’re renewing the oil and filter, make sure to fill the filter with as much oil as possible before fitting, and spin the engine over without spark plugs until the oil pressure light goes out.
Once started hold the revs at a constant 2000 or so for a minute or longer, and don’t just continually blip the throttle.
As others have said, I’d also renew the cam belt, non interference engine or not, as well as the water pump if prone to vane corrosion, before starting.
I hope it goes well for you.
2 Likes
Thank you. I’ll post tonight with hopefully a running Roadster!
2 Likes
Fantastic progress with this, what a result that under all the muck, lays a really great car. Amazing after all those years!
So we haven’t got revolutions but it has been a good evening.
Cranked over with plugs out. Good oil pressure and pistons all moving.
I put 20 litres of V power in (Only the best, it hasn’t had a drink in a while) and got good spark.
Fuel gauge showing 1/4 tank from empty. Lovely. Fuel sensor fine.
Plugs back in and tried to turn the car over and sadly she struggled but luckily I was missing that pump noise.
Rear parcel shelf off and pump removed looking a sorry sight. Fuel sensor is fine so connection is good.
Removed fuel pump and had a look inside fuel tank and seems fine. Luckily spoke to a lovely chap online who has a lovely fuel pump and sensor for sale. Sold.
I’ll take that for 23 years static.
Let’s hope that auto gear box is fine if this gets her running!
Lockdown blues remedy… do it, a fantastic new hobby 
Not forgetting…ATF transmission fluid is not forever.
It’s pretty much as hydroscopic as brake fluid.
If moisture gets to the friction plates, it will dissolve the glue adhering them.
I’d recommend an ATF & filter change before even a short run is done.
Apart from that, these auto boxes are bullet proof…provided the pressure sensors get healthy ATF.
Plus, good opportunity to change out the old P.A.S. ATF as well. Same stuff will do it.
I’d also pop a tube of Forte Auto conditioner in too. Made a big difference to my box.
1 Like
Seeing earlier posts I forgot to tell you I had this away as well from the Roadster owner. The beetle didn’t do quite so well being left for 23 years. Some good parts for resale here!
Enjoy the photos of the rescue
3 Likes
You’ll see Shrek in the back on one photo. He’s my wingman for getting cars out of swamps!
1 Like
Your pics have kindled an interest in Beetles I never knew I had! I rather like that model/colour combo. Is it rare?
My first car back in the early 70’s, a light blue one. It still had an MOT up to August last year.
I sold it and bought a Vauxhall Viva as I could get all my camping equipment in the boot. Hated the gearbox in the Viva, syncro’s went.
I’d say so. 1975, 70k miles. Last driven 1999.