Starting car that has been sitting for 6 years

[4dlvr]

Hi All,

I have a 1996 Fairmont ef which I have heavily worked. It has been sitting in the garage and not been started for 6 years now. I'm at a stage where I want to start to enjoy driving it again. My question is in relation to getting it started safely.

At current, here is the list of servicing I think is required before starting. If you have any suggestions or experience doing a similar thing please feel free to suggest ideas.

- Funnel out fuel and add in new fuel
- Replace fuel filter
- Replace engine oil and filter (ideally I will remove the rocker cover and pour new oil all over the head and rocker gear when refilling oil to ensure good lubrication)
- Change spark plugs and spray oil to coat cylinder walls
- Replace & Flush coolant
- Replace brake fluid and bleed brakes
- New battery
- I'd like to turn over the engine by hand before cranking over, but not sure if this is possible whilst it is in the vehicle already?

The vehicle is in perfect condition so I want to be on the safe side and not cause any further damage. If you have any suggestions or recommendations I'd appreciate hearing them.

I'll be sure to post the first start video here once I get to that point.

Cheers,
Paul

[superyob]

Remove spark plugs and hit the starter. After oil change of course. Remove fuel pump fuse as well. Engine will then be well lubricated before you fire it up. You should be able to turn the engine over by hand...

[X-AHH]

Check operation of coolant thermostat(In hot water) or replace. They have a nasty habit of sticking closed over many years of sitting idle.

[zilo]

6 years isn't that long fuel will be your biggest potential headache.
I wouldnt take off rockers etc unless you just enjoy changing gaskets and stuff.

Just disconnect the ignition and crank it over for a while I reckon, that should get the oil splashed around.

What about the auto trans?

[11ford11]

Flush radiator as sediment settles to bottom

[4dlvr]

Originally Posted by zilo

6 years isn't that long fuel will be your biggest potential headache.
I wouldnt take off rockers etc unless you just enjoy changing gaskets and stuff.

Just disconnect the ignition and crank it over for a while I reckon, that should get the oil splashed around.

What about the auto trans?

Thanks zilo, when disconnecting the ignition to crank the motor, do I just pull the leads off the spark plugs? or do I need to pull the leads off the coil pack?

Trans oil is fine, I spoke to the auto builder and given how little it was driven before the c10 went in, he is not concerned. Will definitely be replacing the oil before i do any serious driving with it.

[mick taylor]

Originally Posted by 4dlvr

Thanks zilo, when disconnecting the ignition to crank the motor, do I just pull the leads off the spark plugs? or do I need to pull the leads off the coil pack?

Trans oil is fine, I spoke to the auto builder and given how little it was driven before the c10 went in, he is not concerned. Will definitely be replacing the oil before i do any serious driving with it.

If you turn it over with the plugs out you will destroy the coil packs, I thought.
Just drain the oil as water will most likely of built up from due, top it up and fire it up, the oil gets going fast as you could blink.
Oil is still everywhere on the crank, soon as you fire it up it will start splashing the oil from the rods to the pistons.

One of the main problems that I have seen with engines that have been sitting for a long time is if the oil was old say 5.000 to 10.000kmh before it was shut down the contamination of water and fuel can start rust forming on the crank, with clean oil or say 1.000km up such will be fine as it does not have all the contamination.

[MercuryT]

I doubt it would need anywhere near that amount of work/parts before starting?

It's 6 years not 60!! ha

Fresh oil and plugs is all I'd do and then replace if issues become apparent.

Up to you though - nice build btw.

[11ford11]

Bridge starter switch wire (red/blue) to power or bridge starter relay contacts (30 & 87) with ignition off

[Tassie f100]

Really there are probably lots of cars that have sat for years without being started.I would drain the fuel tank,and refill,pull the fuel pump fuse so it can’t start and wind it over on the starter for 30 seconds,then refit the fuel fuse and fire it up.

[xxx000]

I agree with several of the comments. Cars aren't that fragile, get it running with new fuel and then see if issues arise. My guess is they won't

[superyob]

Originally Posted by 11ford11

Bridge starter switch wire (red/blue) to power or bridge starter relay contacts (30 & 87) with ignition off

That too...

[Vesper Martini]

In 2020 I thought the fist thing you did was create a You Tube channel....