Vintage Minor Register

When I fitted a new engine into my SV MInor I had similar problems with lack of compression and a reluctance to run,The engine had been stored for many years after a rebuild,(Not by me) the 6volt battery was in good condition but just to get it going I took the 6volt off and connected a 12volt. It ...

I would now (I used to a lot) never use easy start, after seeing some pictures of what it can do to an engine. Also it washes the oil off the cylinder walls, causing wear, thus lower compression, which is where the myth of engines becoming addicted to it came from. I guess it might be all right once...

STP?
Unfortunately a good battery is a little while away, as Dad has other things to spend money on at the moment, If I can find the other fibre coupling for the prop-shaft, I may even try tow starting it, Unless you'd recommend otherwise.

I think the head gasket is fine, I certainly looked it, Also it has never run since it was rebuilt, Dad just didn't get time to sort the electrics. I guessed the car might be known as Dad was a member until 2004, but just hasn't had time since. I'll check the gasket again at the weekend to see if th...

I had thought about that, but they seemed free, I gave them a twiddle when the head was off. They have been oil regularly so I'm suspecting rings as the first cause, as Cylinder 2 and 3 were at BDC so I think the rings have stuck while they were down there. I'm pretty certain 1 and 4 are firing well...

Well, I guess I'd better introduce my self. I'm 16, living in Stowmarket, Suffolk and I have a strong interest in restoring vintage tractors and horticultural machinery, hence the username. In 1975, My Dad, Bernie ( was a member of VMR until about 04) bought a 1932 Family 8 sports coupe for £55. I'm...