Getting it ready for a drive after an 18 year rest.
Just the basics. When you start an old machine for the first time after a long rest, you want to check the oil, coolant, brake fluid, tire pressure, the state of the battery and give it a visual inspection.
Well, it held anti- freeze. All of the parts (plus a couple of aftermarket extras) were there. And we discovered that the original color is Normandy Blue.
The wiring was eaten away in most of the engine compartment. The battery was missing. The brake master cylinder was junk. The 5 gallon pail full of mouse/ rat/ squirrel nest in the engine compartment was at least half grass and half seat stuffing.
The fuel tank was full of classic, vintage gasoline- based varnish.
And the engine was seized.
Other than that, it was ready for a cruise!
Well, it held anti- freeze. All of the parts (plus a couple of aftermarket extras) were there. And we discovered that the original color is Normandy Blue.
The wiring was eaten away in most of the engine compartment. The battery was missing. The brake master cylinder was junk. The 5 gallon pail full of mouse/ rat/ squirrel nest in the engine compartment was at least half grass and half seat stuffing.
The fuel tank was full of classic, vintage gasoline- based varnish.
And the engine was seized.
Other than that, it was ready for a cruise!
After soaking the cylinders and all of the fasteners for the cylinder head for three days with PB Blaster and WD-40, the motor loosened up with a few gently persuasive taps atop each piston with an axe handle. The cylinders were 90% free of any marks or corrosion. The plan is to clean it all up and replace the head for a compression test.