My subject line says it all. My 1987 Iroc has been in storage for 2 years, but I might have to move it in a few weeks. Trouble is, it will have to be started to do anything. What is the best way I can do this without damaging it? Am I being too cautious? The car has sat for 6 months at a stretch, but never this long. It has 65k on the 305 TPI. You can check it out here: My Iroc Any advice is appreciated!! Posted by 35th6spd (Member # 1243) on 29 September, 2003 04:08 PM:
Hello fellow Jersian, nice ride! A couple words of advice based on past experience. 1) Check for nesting creatures in the engine bay. 2)Change the oil (oxidation - bad) 3)Remove spark plugs - check for cleanliness and spray a LITTLE light oil in the cylinders ... 2 years isnt really that long I dont think youll have a problem. Good luck!
Posted by SS_CarGuy (Member # 2065) on 29 September, 2003 04:23 PM:
What he said......plus, if you didn't add fuel stabilizer to the gasoline, drain the tank first and fill with fresh gasoline.
Posted by 01ss87iroc (Member # 1763) on 29 September, 2003 10:01 PM:
Thanks folks! Looks like I'll be changing the oil and draining the fuel. 35th6spd, I'm in northern NJ...a bit of a hike from Princeton. Still in NJ though!! Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on 30 September, 2003 03:22 AM:
Like he said - spray a little lite oil in the cylinders after you change the oil, then with the plugs out and the ignition disabled(ground the coil wire or pull the fuse) spin the starter until the oil pressure comes up. Put the plugs back in and fire it up.
Good luck and keep us posted.
PS: I'm in Northen Jersey too!
[ 30. September 2003, 03:24 AM: Message edited by: DaddySS ]
Posted by el ess1 (Member # 1544) on 30 September, 2003 06:45 AM:
Also, check the brake rotors for corrosion build up and freedom of brake operation by trying to roll the car by hand if possible. I've had calipers sieze up and render the brakes useless, so be careful. I'm assuming you've stored it on stands all this time, if not, check for flat spots on the tires and dry rot if it has been sitting that long.
Posted by 2002Z4CSS (Member # 1393) on 30 September, 2003 06:56 AM:
My son's 1979 Camaro was sitting for 3 years with the same gas in the tank. After we installed the new engine it still started on that old gas.Make sure the battery is fully charged 1st.Either pull the fuel pump relay or fuse or unplug the distrubutor.By removing the coil wire,the spark will still try to seek a ground inside of the distrubutor cap (not good) and could make carbon tracks inside of the cap. Having the coil disconnected but not the fuel,you may load the cylinders with fuel and wash the piston rings,putting gas in the oil (not good).I have had engines that sat for years that started up with no concerns.Once the oil pressure is good while cranking,then go ahead and reinstall the fuel pump relay or fuse. Try to start it.
Posted by 01ss87iroc (Member # 1763) on 30 September, 2003 11:48 PM:
Thanks! I'll let you know how it goes, but I'm a little uncertain on how to spray a little oil on the cylinders. Too much of a novice, so additional guidance would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! PS: Rich, I've contacted you a couple of time re: Hawthorne chevy. One of these days we'll, hopefully, meet up. I have to see that car of yours in person. -Mark
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Still in NJ though!! ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)