Thread: starting engine after sitting for a while

It may be worth cranking it over with the plugs out and a small amount of light oil injected into the bores just to get it moving again.
When you spin up the motor without the plugs you can also check to make sure your oil pressure comes up when you do.
Other than that pour a small amount of petrol (i'm assuming it is a petrol engine) into the carb throat and start it up once you have put the plugs back in.
It may take a few goes to get fuel to the carb.
Good luck.
Phil.

i would remove the rocker cover and turn over the engine without coil to make sure none of the valves are sticking good luck

As suggested, but you don't need to remove the rocker cover if you have a crank handle - turn it by hand with the ignition off, you will find it obvious if there is a stuck valve because of no compression on one cylinder.

Should be no need for petrol in the throat of the carburettor - use the priming lever on the fuel pump.

If you check there is spark when the plugs are out and can confirm there is fuel in the carburettor, expect it to start readily with full choke, but this time of year be prepared to push it halfway in as soon as it starts.

If it has fuel, spark, and compression, and does not start readily, there will be a definite fault - find it rather than flattening the battery.

Possible faults include carburettor blockage or flooding, weak spark (coil, condenser, HT leads, points),air leak in the intake manifold (PVC valve if fitted, vacuum line, loose manifold), wrong timing or HT lead positions.

Check for oil pressure within thirty seconds, and do not rev the engine until you do have it.

All the best,

John