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I've just picked up an MK1b that's been standing in the elements for a very long time...I estimate about 10 years. The body is better than I expected but before deciding to restore the car to its former glory, I want to make sure the engine isn't wrecked. Is there anything perculiar to the MR2 I should check before attempting to start up to prevent any further damage.& plugs in for starters, while the pugs are out crank the engine by hand (socket on the bolt for the crank pulley). If you can loosen up the bolts for it and remove the belt then you can check it rotates, same for the water pump.(oxidised). After eight years parked up. Tank and pump ruined. As the fuel had crystallized the insides.(spares), Mk1b Mica blue T-bar Mar90, Mk1b Mica blue T-bar,full climate control,Jan90, 5 mk1's 
....sounds like the usual routine. Is the fuel pump servicable?.....considering how long the car has sat, most of it on grass, and reading through the forums about problems others have had, I'm pleasantly surprised at the lack of rot. The rear wheel arch to sills have gone on both sides but both sills, front panels, floor pans, all 4 wheel arches seem relatively unscathed. I grabbed a couple of pics of the underside and there are a couple of places that need looking into, gearbox mount for one, but the rails, while suffering some surface rust, look sound to me. I've only had a couple of fairly short inspections so far...and the car is new to me, but I decided that the rest of the car whilst covered in crud, was so tidy that, for what I paid, I can't lose on it. I'm prepared to invest some time and money though and the main aim is to get it back on the road and to keep the car for my enjoyment, (never, ever owned a sports car and I'm a big fan of '70s & '80s cars and bikes). The respray may have to wait a bit but if I can get it through an MOT without having to spend a fortune, I'll be over the moon. I was vicously gazumped on this car by the "mate" I'm buying it off only to see the it deteriorate over the years, whe originally for sale, I would have described it as "near mint" with only 62K genuine miles - very sad 
..sorry, can't put up pics until I've posted more. 
Can I PM the link to someone to post? If not, I started a thread on the MR2 MK1 club in the newbie section if any use. 
LimeyMk1 wrote:Feel free to PM or email me the piccies and I'll post them up for you.
If it was rusty there, would it show up?
Obviously there is still a lot of work there. Expect rear calipers to be gone and there's all the brake and clutch lines to check and the bushings one might suspect. Good luck! 
- Circuit Pack 
What goes on the rear calipers? Stuck/rusty pistons? Blown seals? Are they servicable? You can get refurbed ones which is the easiest way to sort it. Unfortunately they are a crap design and nearly always cause issues. - Circuit Pack