How do you start up a 914 1.7 that has sat for 31 years., Where to start? What fluids? Options

[burton73]

I found on my 6 that had sat for 25 years that the gas had turned to Jelly in the fuel pump and carbs. The gas in the gas tank was pourable not jelly.

I have no idea where to start on this 1970 1.7 that sat in a hot garage in The San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles

No battery in it.

I do have the key. I looked on the search and could not find anything but I may be asking wrong because I thought before I had read someone said to put oil in the cylinders and let then soak a while. Why that makes sense on a water-cooled V-engine I do not see how that would get any oil on the top of the side aimed up.

What do you guys think?

Thanks for your help.

Bob B

[krazykonrad]

Don't try to start it. Anything that has been sitting that long needs a full tear-down. Starting it now proves nothing and risks some major $$$ damage to the internals.

My $0.02

Konrad

[RoadGlue]

Don't try to start it. Anything that has been sitting that long needs a full tear-down. Starting it now proves nothing and risks some major $$$ damage to the internals.

My $0.02

Konrad

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) (mostly)

If valves are stuck open, then that's going to cause all sorts of problems. If you're a gambling man, then go for it and just realize you might set yourself back time and money.

The push rod tube seals are likely shot, as are the main seal, etc etc. It's going to leak oil.

If you're a gambling man and the motor doesn't really matter, then go for it. That's what my younger self would have done as long as I had other motor plans. There's something fun in seeing if you can get old iron to work.