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Re: engine not used for a long time

To: Martien Ouwens <Martien.Ouwens@Holland.Sun.COM>
Subject: Re: engine not used for a long time
From: Andrew Mace <amace@unix2.nysed.gov>
Date: Tue, 30 May 1995 12:21:28 -0900 (PDT)
Cc: Scions of Stanpart <triumphs@autox.team.net>
On Mon, 29 May 1995, Martien Ouwens wrote:

> Hi,
> 
>   Main concern I've got is, how rust sensitive is the vitesses 2 litre 
>engine. Could I assume 
> to get problems with stuck valves or pistons. What would be the best approach 
>to get such 
> an engine running, without it being damaged badly. If I get the engine 
>running, would an 
> oil change be enough, or should I fill her up with "cleaning oil" for the 
>first run.

Martien, I have a 1970 GT6+ (Mk.2) with what is virtually the same 
engine. I confess that it has been stored since 1981, and I never did
anything to prepare the engine. However, I have turned it over by hand 
occasionally, and it is free to this day. Below is what I plan to do 
with that engine this summer:

I think it might be best to drain the current oil as best you can 
(considering it won't be very warm) and put in new oil and filter. I 
think it also would be worth removing the valve cover and turning the 
engine by hand to make sure the valves are free. Also, a little bit of 
engine oil in each sparkplug hole, and again turning the engine over by 
hand, might help to lubricate the bores a little bit.

I would then ensure that the cooling system has coolant, or at least 
water. Then, once ignition and fuel systems are operable, crank the 
engine for a bit with the HT coil wire disconnected -- at least until 
the oil pressure light goes out or you are otherwise sure you have built 
up some oil pressure. Then, reconnect the coil wire and attempt to start 
the engine. You'll probably get some blue smoke from the oil you put 
into the combustion chamber, but that should go away fairly quickly if 
all is well.

Once the engine is thoroughly warmed up, I'd then drain the engine oil 
again, and put in fresh oil and filter. I'd also drain and flush the 
cooling system at that point. I'd avoid the "flushing oil" routine, as 
the before-and-after starting oil/filter change should do about the same 
thing.

Andrew Mace
Herald/Vitesse Consultant
Vintage Triumph Register


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