Getting the engine of a Bristol 410 running for the first time in seven years

Kevin H · #1 (**permalink**) 12-08-13, 12:10 PM

I have been informed by another forum member that my assumption about that little protrusion at the bottom of the tank is wrong. It is in fact a small sump to catch dirt and water - it is not the reserve.

Thinking about it, it couldn't possibly be the reserve because it's wouldn't be big enough.

It does however still allow you to drain the dregs out of the tank without removing the tank.

I'm glad Stuart provided some more suggestions about turning the engine manually, changing oil etc before trying to fire it up!

paul410 · #2 (**permalink**) 18-08-13, 06:22 PM

Thanks for all your advice. The fuel tank turned out to be pretty empty, so I filled it with 2 gallons of 98 octane fuel, connected the battery and after pumping the throttle for 30 seconds the car started! However after 10 minutes of running there was a massive coolant leak from the bottom of the engine bay. Couldn't see any disconnected piping so my mother's boyfriend reckons it is likely to be a core plug that has failed. We are not 100% of this though because the engine was still far too hot investigate further. If it turns out to be a failed core plug, does any of you know how this is accessible or what else its likely to be? Literally all of the engine's coolant emptied from the nearside of the engine bay in about 2 seconds. I imagine it will need to go on a ramp. I really appreciate everyone's help and advice on this. Its exciting times.

Paul

GREG · #3 (**permalink**) 19-08-13, 12:18 PM

Get your mechanic pal to bash one of these in ! easy job

SET OF 4 CLASSIC MINI CORE PLUGS A SERIES ENGINES 850, 998, 1100 2K8169 2GV4 | eBay

GREG · #4 (**permalink**) 19-08-13, 07:07 PM

And yes they are the same size :-)

paul410 · #5 (**permalink**) 19-08-13, 10:21 PM

Part purchased. Thanks for the link. Hopefully it solves the probelm.

Regards Paul

Janne · #6 (**permalink**) 20-08-13, 03:58 PM

Check the rubber hoses between the radiator and engine too.

paul410 · #7 (**permalink**) 27-11-13, 12:16 AM

Hey everyone. I have been having great difficulty tapping in this near side core plug on my 410. Do any of you have any ideas how to do this when there is only 2.5 inches of space? I have tried buying a tiny bottle jack (too big), hitting it with a small hammer (cant generate enough force) and putting on a truck to my local garage who only gave lame excuses not to touch it. So frustrating. Some help and ideas would be greatly appreciated. Check out the attached images of the car cleaned up and for its pointless trip to the local garage.

Regards Paul