Main IndexAuto Repair Home Search Posts SEARCH
POSTS
Who's Online WHO'S
ONLINE
Log in LOG
IN









10+ years untouched


Search for (search options)
 



JENGINE
New User

May 16, 2012, 8:00 PM

Post #1 of 6 (1942 views)
post icon 10+ years untouched Sign In

Hello all.

I have a 1980 Firebird Formula that has been sitting in my garage for over 10 years. My midlife crisis has arrived and I really want to get it back on the road again. My question is what can I expect to do to get this up and running again???

Thanks in advance!


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

May 17, 2012, 3:16 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1891 views)
Re: 10+ years untouched Sign In

Your biggest concern is going to be the fuel and any varnish left behind by the fuel. First step would be to get all the old fuel out and replace it with fresh fuel. You may also have some carb problems for the same reason.

Change the engine oil before cranking it too
Get a fresh battery

You could have some rust and dry rot issues with the brake system too.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



(This post was edited by Hammer Time on May 17, 2012, 3:17 AM)


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

May 17, 2012, 6:49 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1846 views)
Re: 10+ years untouched Sign In

Do all HT said, and before you attempt to start the car pull all your spark plugs and spray some fogging oil down the holes. Then bar your engine over with a ratchet on the crank 5 revolutions. This lubricates your upper cylinder that would suffer damage if you cold started it. Also pull the air cleaner off and look for mouse nests. The little devils love intakes and heater boxes and will cause major issues.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 19, 2012, 3:53 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1814 views)
Re: 10+ years untouched Sign In

All of the above is on target. I'll just add that hydraulic lifters may have fully collapsed and it won't want to run. May have to pump up oil pressure with engine off to get them close enough for initial start,

Tom


JENGINE
New User

May 29, 2012, 5:48 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1764 views)
Re: 10+ years untouched Sign In

Thank you all very much for the help.

It's greatly appreciated.

Now, just wish me luck... Smile


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 30, 2012, 12:47 AM

Post #6 of 6 (1754 views)
Re: 10+ years untouched Sign In

OK - Here's your good luck........



Expect a few surprises especially rubber parts, brakes, cooling system, any rubber associated with fuel, vacuum lines etc. Once going I suggest not going too far till any bugs are tended to that may crop up,

T







 
 
 






Search for (options) Privacy Sitemap