Hi people . I recently imported a Mk 5 into South Africa from the UK, usual stuff used to have them years ago, and have started the restoration.
Firstly, the machine is all there nothing missing including a 30 year old battery!!
I had the Mag rewound in the UK as it was bound to be faulty in some way the condenser if nothing else, (and so it proved) The next approach was to strip down the engine for I felt that standing for such a long time the crank was sure to be full of sludge.
The results proved interesting all the workings appear in excellent condition the bores unscored with just one piston ring trapped, looks as if there was heat expansion and no gentle persuasion would shift it so the ring broke and the grove had to be dressed to allow the other ring to fit.
The crank has no play and when oil is pumped through the oilways by means of a pressure oil can it flows freely. Now you chaps I am reluctant to have this pulled apart mainly because although we have BMW experts here it seems an unnecessary risk, any opinions??
However when pulling the pots off the crankcase revealed an earlier sad encounter with either a thrown rod or a lamp post and requires some carefull welding, I have been put in touch with a couple of 'experts' so should be OK. Tips here welcome.
The most difficult thing I have come across is an absolute desert of BSF nuts and bolts in SA. I am going to the UK in May so Will try to fill a pew pockets with suitable sizes.
My question is are they freely available in the UK or perhaps there are some 'recommended' suppliers.
Cheers Brian