Getting a Sprint out of retirement.

[Optimist]

Hello All - new member signing in

Coaxing back onto the road my Sprint, owned since 1979 but not run since 1985.( Boring company cars intervened.)

Bad points - completely original, single line brakes, messy oil filter, viscous fan, high mileage (c.95000)

Good points - always under cover, undersealed from new (£33 at Henlys), been from N Sweden to S Spain and never failed on the road.

Everything appears to work, but am mildly apprehensive about the non serviceable parts, particularly the c.v. joints on the propshaft and the
Torquatrol fan. If anyone has experience of running these after a long layoff, I would be grateful to hear.

Had to remove 2/3 gallons of leaded petrol from the tank to have it cleaned and checked. This must be at least 8 years old, and seems next
to impossible to dispose of. It has been suggested that filtered, and mixed with a percentage of fresh petrol, this would be safe to use, but
at the moment I don't feel like risking it. Polite and/or sensible comments welcome.

Will no doubt be back shortly with new problems, but, in the meantime, thanks to all for publishing such a wealth of information about these cars.

Optimist

[Carledo]

Hi and welcome to the nuthutch! The two concerns you have aired are probably not going to be a problem, the prop CVs are (or should be) full of special CV joint grease which doesn't deteriorate like ordinary stuff, if you're that worried, have the prop off and work the joints a bit to ensure they are free. Likewise the viscous coupling, spin it a bit by hand to ensure it's free and check for play in the unit bearings. This thing is a bit prone to failure anyway so if in doubt swap it out, either for another decent or new one (they are available new still but rather pricey) or bin it and go for an electric fan.
I'd be more worried about the state of the brakes after such a long layup than either of these issues.

Steve

[Optimist]

Many thanks for the prompt reply and tips. I have renewed all brake rubbers and renewed some lines, but will be prepared to do more once we are
running again. The servo seems to be OK, in that the pedal depresses when the engine is turned over but, here again, would be prepared for further
problems. The MOT will no doubt throw up something unexpected. Will keep you posted - Optimist

[Toledo Man]

Welcome to the forum. Joining the club would be a wise move.

Keep us posted on your progress.