My Midas Mk2 has been in the garage for the past 12 years since I got a company car. One of my sons has recently started thinking of buying a classic Mini so I thought what if I got the old Midas running again. Over Christmas I uncovered the bonnet. With a spare battery I cranked it over with the plugs out to get oil around the system. Then I emptied the old petrol out of the tank - easy with an electric pump. There was only 4 l in there. Next I checked for a spark - none. Did the relevent checks and ended up replacing the condenser. Checked for a spark last night - yes it is there. Looked today for a fuel tank off an old lawnmower and managed to connect it to the carb although I then found that the tap was weeping slightly. Cranked it over to then get some backfiring. Checked the plugs - doh I had connected them the wrong way round. Tried again and she fired into life straight away. So after 12 years the Midas lives.
Now all I have to do is:
Check the throttle return action as the throttle appeared to be sticking,
Replace antifreeze,
Uncover the rest of the car
Empty out the interior
Remove all the wheels and either get the wheels refurbished or buy new wheels and tyres
Strip down the brakes and replace all the fluid,
Full engine/suspension service
Replace the seats or get the old ones recovered
New carpet (possibly)
Clean everything
Enjoy
All of this may take some time as I have another car that I must try to get running again - Pug 205 for my youngest son who is away at uni so that he can use it over the summer. I also want to go out and enjoy my motorbike (32 year old CX500 Custom) when the weather improves.