Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Figureman52 on 31 January 2012, 21:12:39

Title: An old Astra
Post by: Figureman52 on 31 January 2012, 21:12:39
My father has decided to sell his 1997 Astra.

The engine has not been started for 2 years!

Before I turn the key, having fitted a new battery, is there anything extra I should do?
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: Andy B on 31 January 2012, 21:16:19
keep your fingers crossed!  ::) ::) ::)

Turn it by hand first on the crank pulley just to make sure it's free to turn.  :y
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: Figureman52 on 31 January 2012, 21:19:04
Keeping everything crossed. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I am assuming the engine turns clockwise?
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: r1 on 31 January 2012, 21:20:39
remove plugs,drop some oil down the bores then turn it over by hand.
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: Entwood on 31 January 2012, 21:21:09
My father has decided to sell his 1997 Astra.

The engine has not been started for 2 years!

Before I turn the key, having fitted a new battery, is there anything extra I should do?

I would

1) disconect HT leads, for several spins of the starter in short bursts in order to get the oil moving BEFORE the engine runs as all oil-ways will be empty/dry - I'd probably be close to flattening a battery I'd turn it over that much !!

2) drain fuel and replace with new .. fuel "ages" and wil make starting far harder

3) replace air/oil filters beforehand ... stuff in filters has probably hardened and they won't work as well

Once started run for just a few seconds... then stop for a minute ... do this a couple of times, again to circulate oil. allow to warm up SLOWLY .. no revving... once warm stop then change oil and coolant for new.

Start and run gently for an hour without load, watching for any leaks all the time. Once happy then switch off. jack wheels off the ground, ensure they spin freely - brakes not stuck on - start engine and run it in gear at low rpm so the transmission all moves under no load.
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: tigers_gonads on 31 January 2012, 21:25:15
If you can, disconect the coil and crank the engine over for a minute or so until the oil gets pushed to the top of the engine  :y

The engine will be pretty dry up top if its been left for 2 years  ;)
If it starts, just leave it to idle until the fan cuts so you can see if the thermostat is opening.
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 31 January 2012, 21:31:13
Just check the fluids and fire it up.

The thing you would most want to do is get oil around the bearings and you cant so just go for it.
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: Figureman52 on 02 February 2012, 15:10:52
Just check the fluids and fire it up.

The thing you would most want to do is get oil around the bearings and you cant so just go for it.

Started first turn of the key. :)

Over two years and freezing conditions. Well impressed.

Ran it until the fans kicked in, all seems OK.

I think I would be sorry to see it go, just 16000 miles from new.

Think I will try to talk him into keeping it as a back up for the Mig. ;)
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: henryd on 02 February 2012, 16:10:37
Just check the fluids and fire it up.

The thing you would most want to do is get oil around the bearings and you cant so just go for it.

Started first turn of the key. :)

Over two years and freezing conditions. Well impressed.

Ran it until the fans kicked in, all seems OK.

I think I would be sorry to see it go, just 16000 miles from new.

Think I will try to talk him into keeping it as a back up for the Mig. ;)

What's the bodywork like?
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: Figureman52 on 02 February 2012, 16:21:11
A bit dirty from standing out in all weathers. One side has a green coating from being near a hedge.
No sign of rust that I can see.  :)

When it warms up a bit i will have to give it a good clean.  ::)
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: henryd on 02 February 2012, 17:00:47
A bit dirty from standing out in all weathers. One side has a green coating from being near a hedge.
No sign of rust that I can see.  :)

When it warms up a bit i will have to give it a good clean.  ::)

Worth hanging on too IMO,its almost a new car mechanically :y :y
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 02 February 2012, 17:13:32
There must be some oddball collector that it'd be worth a tidy sum to - or even VX themselves for their collection? Rather than just flinging it on AT and having it go to Jessica Chav...
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: Elite Pete on 02 February 2012, 17:22:26
I bet the disks are a bit rusty ::)
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: Figureman52 on 02 February 2012, 21:39:31
I bet the disks are a bit rusty ::)

They feel a bit rough ::) Probably need replacing but I don't think they are too pricey.

The problem is like "henryd" says, it is almost new mechanically, but to put it back on the road is more than it's worth. I suppose that can be said of any Mig ::)

Sod's law being what it is, as soon as it's gone the Mig will die and I will pay twice as much for something far worse. :(





Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: henryd on 02 February 2012, 21:49:47
I bet the disks are a bit rusty ::)

They feel a bit rough ::) Probably need replacing but I don't think they are too pricey.

The problem is like "henryd" says, it is almost new mechanically, but to put it back on the road is more than it's worth. I suppose that can be said of any Mig ::)

Sod's law being what it is, as soon as it's gone the Mig will die and I will pay twice as much for something far worse. :(

Astra disc's and pads from a factor are cheap enough especially if it has solid rather than vented :y
Title: Re: An old Astra
Post by: Figureman52 on 02 February 2012, 22:20:29
Swmbo for some strange reason doesn't like driving the Mig. :o

Would love to use the Astra, but for 10 miles a week and insurance and road tax costing about £500 it doesn't make economic sense.

If only road tax was built into the fuel price and insurance could be pay by the mile. ::)