20 year hibernation, she lives to tell another tale! (1/13/13) Options

[dfelz]

The engine in my 72 1.7L hasn't been driven in 20 years, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/chair.gif) and I want to start prepping the engine to come back to life! I have a general plan to get it running and want to share it, but would really like tips and to-do's while i get this under way since i have never taken on a project like this before.
My plan so far:
New gas tank, SS lines, fuel pump, fuel filter (order and on the way)
Rebuild kit with new gaskets and such for each carb, will thoroughly clean them out in that process as well
New Bosch spark plugs and spark plug wiring set
New distributor, (looking at AAs R0231178009)
New battery and battery terminals
Oil change and new oil filter

If anyone thinks that there is some thing must be added to this list prior to me even attempting the first crank please let me know! All suggestions are welcome!

Thanks!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[ottox914]

If you have the trans in neutral, and grab the fan, with the plugs out, can you turn it over? I have put a good shot of WD40 or other spray lube in the plug holes- DON'T LET THE PLASTIC STRAW/SPOUT THINGY COME OFF THE BOTTLE AND GET LOST IN THE ENGINE. Then I'll spin it over by hand, and repeat. Spinning with the battery and starter till the oil pressure light on the dash goes out is a good next step. You could stick a plug in a wire and ground it, to see if the existing dizzy will make a spark.

IF you do put the plugs back in and turn it over, expect insect control fog out the back, given the oil in the cyls. Fire it up outside the garage. Don't think just leaving the door open will be OK. When/if it starts, if it makes $$$ sounding noise, shut it down. If it just rattles and bangs like an air cooled engine, great. Shut it down and change oil and filter, cuz you contaminated it with the WD, and any rust/crud or condensation in the case had contaminated it.

IF the tank isn't totally roached, I'd just pull it and rinse it out. With the tank out, you disconnect the fuel lines in the engine compartment and use some air to blow the fuel lines in the tunnel out. New fuel filter seems a cheep and reasonable step. Does the current fuel pump work? Has it been tested? Just trying to save ya a few bucks if any of these parts are still good.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!