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Posted by: 914zim Jul 29 2003, 11:21 AM

Hi guys:
I just found this site and it's very cool! I hope you can give me some advice.
I'm looking at a '76 914 that has been parked in a garage for 4 years.
It ran fine when it was put in storage and looks very clean (seen pics only though).
I'm told the tires are still good and the interior is very clean too.
The current owner put a fresh battery in it recently and turned it over fine.
He's suggesting that I'd need to trailer it home, which seems sensible to me after it's been sitting for so long.
Does anyone think I could get it started and chould drive it home? (about 350mi).
If I was to trailer it home, what would I have to do it to make it driveable (safe)?
1. change oil.
2. squirt oil (or something) into the cylinders before starting.
3. new battery.
4. change anti-freeze.
5. change brake fluid and bleed.
What else? What do you guys think would be a good price for a 914 like this?
I'm hoping with a little "tinkering" I could get this car running.
Any thoughts/comments are greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Andy...

Posted by: echocanyons Jul 29 2003, 11:24 AM

"Change antifreeze"

these cars are aircooled and have no antifreeze

in addition to the engine I would check the brakes and the tires cuz things tend to seize up after being unused for a period of time.

I would prolly change the fuel filter and look in the tank for rust particles as well

welcome to the baord

Posted by: Brad Roberts Jul 29 2003, 11:24 AM

WHOA... You are...FIRED.


"4. change anti-freeze"

welcome to the BBS.



B

Posted by: seanery Jul 29 2003, 11:29 AM

post the pics here, we may be able to see something else to clue you in on.

Posted by: 914zim Jul 29 2003, 11:48 AM

Oh, umm, I was just seeing of you guys were paying attention....
Everyone knows the 914 is air cooled!! duh!
I'll try and post the pics tonight from home (at work now)...

Thanks!!
Andy... (stupid newbie)

Posted by: Mueller Jul 29 2003, 12:15 PM

check the fuel lines very well before turning it over....I'd have a fire ex. handy as well.
you can also engage the pump with the car off to look for leaks once the system is pressurized.

Posted by: Lawrence914-6 Jul 29 2003, 12:21 PM

Geez... someone from Milwaukee asked that.

I'm ashamed.

Posted by: tryan Jul 29 2003, 12:26 PM

6. fresh fuel

bearings tend to go bad on cars ( or trailers ) that have sat in the same spot for a while. have the owner take you for a 50 mile spin. if it tears up, it's still his car. if he won't take you for a ride or it won't start, adjust the price accordingly.

Posted by: Qarl Jul 29 2003, 02:44 PM

Spark plugs - cheap and easy

Check Fuel Injection lines (or replace). May be cracked and cause engine to run crappy.
Check Fuel Lines (under tank and to engine compartment)
Injector lines may be cracked as well

Empty and flush tank (gummed up fuel can be nasty).

Carbs may have gummed up fuel inside and may be clogged or stick.

Check all grounds (battery and tranny).

Have a fire extinguisher handy.

Flush brake lines.

Pray to the 914 gods!

Posted by: ArtechnikA Jul 29 2003, 02:52 PM

don't feel bad - i spent a big part of this past weekend fixing coolant leaks on the 911. just because it's air cooled doesn't mean you can let it leak all over the place...

BTW - there are no stupid questions, especially around here !
welcome !

Posted by: Qarl Jul 29 2003, 02:55 PM

Oh yeah.... you can turn over the car without starting it by disconnecting the lead to the coil.

This will allow you to build oil pressure without starting the car. Let the car crank for a while to get the oil sloshed around.

Run some engine cleaner it in after you get it running.. STP crap or Techron or something off the shelf at your FLAPS. It can't hurt.

Posted by: URY914 Jul 29 2003, 03:00 PM

Yes, a fire extiingisher would be good, but the Fire Department would be better.

Do things slow and if you hear a strange noise, STOP!

Paul

Posted by: 914zim Jul 29 2003, 08:50 PM

This is great!
thanks for the info guys!!
Andy...

Posted by: Rob Ways Jul 29 2003, 09:00 PM

A trailer isn't a bad idea since you'll be calling one if everything doesn't go as planned. You might also see if you can put a deposit down and have the owner take it to a shop to have it looked over if you aren't sure of what to look for.

Its been said but the biggest concerns after 4 years of sitting would be fuel lines / injectors (fire) and fuel filter (rust in tank). The fuel filter could leave you stranded. Tires can also give out especially if they've sat flat.

Congrats on the new car though!!!!!!