So my car's been sitting for about 2 years, What should I do to the to try and start it? Options

[jcambo7]

So I am wondering what I need to do to my engine before I start it up? Prime it and stuff? If I should prime it how do I do that? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) It's a 4 cyl 2.0 fuel injected engine.

[Stuie]

Not sure whhat the guys here will say but mine was sitting under a cover in a garage for 16 years when I got it going last year. Pretty much drained the tank (you may not have to as two years may not be too bad), fuel pump was shot so I installed a new one (just replaced it again after about 5K miles... POS cheapo). I had to replace all brake calipers which were frozen. You may have to do that or at least get them all working smooth. battery? Hope that helps. Why was it sitting so long? Parked because of a problem?

[jcambo7]

Not sure whhat the guys here will say but mine was sitting under a cover in a garage for 16 years when I got it going last year. Pretty much drained the tank (you may not have to as two years may not be too bad), fuel pump was shot so I installed a new one (just replaced it again after about 5K miles... POS cheapo). I had to replace all brake calipers which were frozen. You may have to do that or at least get them all working smooth. battery? Hope that helps. Why was it sitting so long? Parked because of a problem?

The tank is a new one and it was empty when I got the car. All the tunnel lines were disconnected cuz the PO was going to replace them. The PO died about one year ago I believe. I believe from cancer. He was John West's friend. The father was selling it. As far as I know and from what John said was that it ran before he pulled the tunnel lines. So pretty much I know of no problem with the car or anything. I am just trying to put it back together and get the engine running to see if their are any problems with it or not. The calipers seem ok. While I was pushing it with a friend into the parking spot I used the brakes and they work fine. I still plan on looking at them to make sure. Just need to figure out how to get the hub caps off the steely's cuz I can't find the tool that came with the car to remove them. They're being a pain right now to get off and aren't budging.

[jcambo7]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon_bump.gif) Still need to know what to do...please help?

[highways]

Sounds like you might have a fuel line replacement project ahead of you. Mine sat for 7 years and there were no issues other than fuel lines (and pump) to get it started.

For the tunnel, invest in these stainless steel tunnel fuel lines from racer chris.
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=48548

for the rest of the lines, I think pelican parts has a list of the correct sizes and lengths you need. Might as well rebuild all the fuel lines if they are original (35 years old) on the car. Or do a search on this 914world site. It's nice if you can get real metric lines, otherwise you have to find the best american measurements.
http://www.pelicanparts.com

Or at least rebuild the lines on the pressure end of the fuel pump. When starting mine, my fuel pump leaked. Fuel pumps are unfortunately not very rebuildable. So cross your fingers that yours doesn't leak. When you're ready to start it just turn the key over to energize the fuel pump (and pressurize the fuel lines), then check for leaks before actually turning the engine over (ignition key has two positions). That is all you have to do to 'prime' the fuel injected engine.

I took my spark plugs out and poured like a 1/2 shot of marvel mystery oil in each cylinder to help get it all covered. But if your's has only been sitting for 2 years I would not worry about it, or maybe just spray a little wd40 in there. Ofcourse, do an oil change on the car just to make that nice.

If the car starts... congrats. Any rough running will most likely be due to a vacuum leak, so in that case you would check all your vacuum lines.

If the car doesn't start (starter not turning over) then you'll want to polish up and/or replace your battery ground to firewall ground cable, and your transmission to trunk ground cable.

Goodluck! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[dbgriffith75]

Check and replace the battery if needed. Most auto parts stores will test them for free.

Is the gas tank empty or is it plugged off? Were you the one to put gas in it last, or was the PO? If it was the PO, drain what's left of the tank anyway and try to get a look inside- you don't want any rust or other impurities sneaking past the filter into the pump or further down the fuel system. You're replacing the lines anyway- if there is rust inside the tank, I think radiator shops can get them boiled clean for you while you're replacing the lines. Obviously replace the pump if it's not working and the fuel filter too.

Drain the oil and put fresh in it and replace that filter too. I wouldn't use what you plan to normally use- just get a cheap oil to help you get it going- once it's running and you've determined there's no major leaking points then you can put better oil in it.

Here's what I was told on how to prime the oil system for start up- pull the cable from the coil to the distributor cap and turn the car over [I think] 5-6 times. This should get oil to all the major lube points for start up.

And finally, begin diagnosis. It's almost a guarantee there's something that will be wrong with it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Good luck.

[jcambo7]

Thanks everyone. Yes the tank was empty when I purchased the car. I just recently bought the stainless steel lines from Tangerine racing and they should be in tomorrow. My battery was shot and I am getting a new one at the end of the month.