Time to start it after sitting 8 years

[bigcaddy]

I picked up a 1976 mini1000. It hasn't run in over 8 years. I'm hoping to start it soon and inventory what breaks. haha.

I removed the gas tank and cleaned it about 20 times with simple green, nuts/bolts then finally with POR15 tank seal. I replaced all the fuel lines and incorporated a filter under the rear axle.  I rebuilt the carb with all new parts.   I also replaced all the brake components, ball joints and bearings.   I want to get it moving and stopping so I can get it in and out of the shop until it's time to restore it.

It is an automatic.  My last mini was a 4 speed and I'm new to the automatics.   What should I do prior to starting the car?   Change the oil?  If so,  any certain weight or brand?

Thanks,

TOm

[69hcode]

I would recommend 10w40 motorcycle oil. Look for MA2 spec on the bottle. You might want to unplug the coil and spin it over at least until the oil pressure light on the dash goes out. I'm not sure if they will go out from just cranking on these. I don't think there is a way to prime the oil system on these with the cam driven pump. 

[69hcode]

Also, where are you located Tom? Don't think there are too many Big Caddy's in England. 

[jockduck]

Yes the oil light goes out with cranking, take the plugs out, oil the bores and give it a good spin.
Jock

[bigcaddy]

Sorry for the delay but here is an update. I figured I would include some pictures.

At the moment the car is back together after tearing it all down and rebuilding all the mechanicals except the internals of the engine and transmission. I decided to remove the engine and subframe to paint the engine bay. I also did the trunk while I was at it. I took it out on its maiden voyage yesterday and the transmission seemed to shift okay but it lacked a lot of power almost to the point of stalling when you applied throttle. I'm not sure if I need to richen the mixtureor adjust the timing or both.  Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

[bigcaddy]

Here is a pic of my last mini restoration.  I sold it on BringaTrailer.com a couple years ago.  A lot more work in this one then the mustard tiger... for now.

[richard1]

Tarija and Santa Cruz, Bolivia

I set timing by ear, almost exclusively. Once it is running, advance it til you get the best running, and just tweak it back a bit. Then drive it, accelerating hard. If it pings, retard it a bit and try again. Factory numbers are for the gas of the time, and an average altitude where most people will drive. We have 85 RON gasoline and I drive between 1200 ft above sea level and 14,000 ft. In some cars I stop to adjust the timing in the course of the day.

Also make sure you have MA2 motorcycle oil, preferably 10W-40