MG Car Repair: Buying Midget in storage, mg midget, triumph spitfire

Question
Hi!
We are looking at buying a 76 MG Midget that has been sitting in a garage for about four years, and not driven during that time, as far as we know.  

Are there any items we should pay special attention to, when buying a Midget?  Anything peculiar to MG's that we shoud be aware of, or take special care in checking before buying?

The battery has been charged, or has held a charge, but the engine won't start.  Is there something special we should be doing, to start an MG engine that has been sitting?  

Also, I seem to recall that some old MG's needed the carb oiled periodically: is this correct, or is that another make of car that I am thinking of?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Joel,
The 76 Midget has a 1500cc Triumph spitfire engine with one Stromberg carburetor. Yes the oil in the top of the carb should be checked from time to time.

Since the engine does not run you need to run tests on it unless you are purchasing it so cheep it doesn't matter.

It will require a few tools to run the tests but they are very important. Read and copy my page on my web site on how to test an engine. http://mg-tri-jag.net/tech9.htm  The tests can be done without the engine being able to start just follow the instructions on my web site. For the oil pressure test you can just remove the spark plugs and spin the engine until you see oil pressure on the gauge. (attach the plug wires to the plugs and lay them on a metal part of the engine when you run the tests)
You should be able to get 25 to 35 PSI on the gauge with just the starter spinning.
Howard