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Any issues around putting a pug 205 which has been garaged for about 4 years back on the road? Clearly will need a new battery but are there any specific checks or safety issues I need to address before I take it on the road and to the nearest garage for checkover and MOT? Any advice gratefully received
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It really won't have done it any good at all. Below are some things to check but I may miss some:
1. All four tyres will have developed flat spots - replace
2. Change all fluids.
3. Brakes will probably have seized.
4. Clutch may have stuck to flywheel.
5. Any petrol in the tank will be off.
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Squirt some engine oil down each sparking plug hole and leave few a few hours to lubricate the cylinder walls and ensure good compression.
If the petrol's gone off, my bet would be to try putting the plugs in a ~100C oven for a few minutes to see if it catches. If not much remaining in tank, fill to brim and take on a 10 mile trip say to let the new stuff flow through.
My biggest concern would be the brake, i.e. sticking calipers and rusted-on handbrakes might need attention/persuasion. Make sure you can stop at the end of the driveway!
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Mike Farrow
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Brakes:
Cahnces are you will need new disks - they will be rusted solid unless stored in dehumidifed atmosphere/moved regularly. All braking system rubber components (hoses and wheel cylinders/calipers should be changed due to rubber perishing.
Probably replace engine hoses. Definitely auxiliary belt.
Check radiator for leaks.(will be visible)
Water pump may have seized if not enough antifreeze (normal life 2 years).
And you may have electrical corrosion on many connectors.
Plus all items mentioned above by others.
madf
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And for a 205 all this means that it's not worth it (unless it's a Gti version, in which case it might be)
I'd sell it as it is and let someone else cannibalise it for spares. Maybe try and get it going but that would be it.
Or put in back in the garage for another 20 years and wait until all the other 205's to have rusted away and then it'll be a classic.
Put this into perspective : I bought a K reg 205 diesel for £30 with minor rear accident damage and no MoT about 3 years ago. It didn't take much work to get it through its MoT because it had been used between the accident occurring and the guy selling it. A headlamp here, a bonnet hinge there and it was job done. An easy days work. I wouldn't fancy doing the same on a car that had been stored.
The other issue us the the timing belt, I'd have that done if there's one on it. It won't have done any miles, but time-wise it will need replacing. And it'd be stupid if you were prepared to go through doing all the rest and not do that.
My view (for what is it worth) : Don't bother. maybe try half-heartedly to get it going (charge the battery first it may hold enough charge for you to have a go at starting it) but personally I'd just sell it as it was. I am sure you can think of better things to do with your time.....
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All braking system rubber components (hoses and wheel cylinders/calipers should be changed due to rubber perishing. Probably replace engine hoses. Definitely auxiliary belt.
Hi, madf - just interested in the theory behind this -
these components aren't generally changed every few years on cars that are being used...
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>Old banger said "these components aren't generally changed every few years
on cars that are being used..."
Yes.Brakes. But in regular use no rust forms and seals are kept supple. After 4 years use, the seals will have been fixed in position long enough for semi permanent deformation to take place. Add to that rust on the exposed ends of calipers and wheel cylinders and new use will chew up the seals. (been there , done it.). So they may not leak at first use, but after first hard use they almost certainly will.
Auxiliary hoses will have been in 1 position. Will deform. Then asked to move. (probably all surfaces covered with light rust. ). Result: any use and bang (done that too)
As for hoses? Well same arguments . No movement for 4 years and probably 15 years old and never been changed. Ever try using a brake clamp on 15 year old flexible brake hoses (to prevent fluid loss)? Result is they deform internally.
Lets put it like this. If it was my car and my life at risk, I would change them all.
BTW as brake fluid is hydroscopic,many of the brake pipes may have rusted internally. Probably should replace them all aswell. (been there , done that:-(
A 15 years old car in regular use would have had many of these replaced through natural wear and tear. So a 4 year gap means some catching up is required...
Engine hoses? Been there done that as well. Clouds of steam..
madf
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