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

[914forme]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Don't forget about the brakes, they will most likely be stuck so full rebuilds. Send them to PMB drain all the fluid, don't forget the master cylinder. Most of the time the pads are stuck to the rotors also.

So I take a punch and hammer and drive them out, before you try to move it. Once you get the pads out it becomes so much easier to move about. BTDT (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[burton73]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) Don't forget about the brakes, they will most likely be stuck so full rebuilds. Send them to PMB drain all the fluid, don't forget the master cylinder. Most of the time the pads are stuck to the rotors also.

So I take a punch and hammer and drive them out, before you try to move it. Once you get the pads out it becomes so much easier to move about. BTDT (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

The brakes where stuck. We filled the 4 tires with air and rocked the car and they unstuck. The pedal was good and the brakes worked. Pushed them and the car stopped and did not seem stuck.

Pictures show the hole to the car in the area where the battery must have moved to the back of car and dropped acid. An odd spot and the rest of the lower areas look OK. I poked in the area where the holes are normally. When I stand close to the car and look in Eng. compartment I can see my shoe.
The tray and support is trash but I do not see any more holes on 2nd look.
Right door does not stay closed but all the gaps on the car look great. Driver’s window in down and does not roll up.


The front bumper needs a little love. But if I go rat rod that may be OK. My problem is I like everything perfect on my cars or I see it right away. A blessing or a curse. Not sure. I have none QC for 40 plus years in my biz so a carful critical eye has been important.

Bob B