C4 owner bringing C3 back from the grave

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May 2, 2013 | 02:29 PM

nickgost

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C4 owner bringing C3 back from the grave

Long sorry short I'm a C4 owner who was asked to get an 82 running. Car ran and drove 9 years ago, but had a bad catalytic converter supposedly. So in my mind getting her tuning should be a battery, belt, fluids, new gas, maybe breaks , maybe hoses, and some new tires. I haven't actually seen the car, but anything I'm not thinking of or anything I should be aware of with these cars?

May 2, 2013 | 04:22 PM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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Getting the car running is one thing; getting the car drivable is another. A battery, fresh fuel, fluids, and possibly plugs might be enough to get it running.

May 2, 2013 | 04:33 PM

F22

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From: Palmdale CA

Depends on how the car was kept. If it was garaged for nine years, you might have a chance at getting it running with what you've got in mind. If it sat outside or exposed to the elements, then it's a totally different ball game. I own both, a C4 (95') and a C3 (74') and they're both tough cars to work on.

May 2, 2013 | 05:11 PM

oldschoolvette

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From: Orlando FL

brakes...leaky calipers, lines full of air

vacuum leaks

good luck

May 2, 2013 | 08:26 PM

Arkyvette

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From: Burkburnett TX

Same as your 84. There is a good sticky for 82's in the tech forum that should help. Fuel pump might end up on your list.

May 3, 2013 | 09:25 AM

nickgost

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It has been in a garage for all 9 years, which should help. Vaccume lines was something I forgot... And breaks shouldn't be too bad to replace even if they are trashed. I just hope the damn thing will start. If it does my life becomes a lot easier

May 3, 2013 | 10:04 AM

F22

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From: Palmdale CA

A couple of thoughts, because it's an EFI car, you're going to be dealing with what's in the gas tank and the lines and I guarantee, the fuel is toast after nine years. With a carb'd car, you could disconnect the fuel line, fill up the bowls with fresh gas and it might start.

I'd inspect what's in the tank first and how much. Then I'd put a battery in it and see if you get power up and if the electric fuel pump in the tank runs. After that, I wouldn't even attempt to start it, but would plan on draining the gas, using the electric fuel pump to get it out of the tank. Finally, I'd put fresh gas in it and then, and only then, would I start it.

May 3, 2013 | 10:37 AM

nickgost

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That's a great idea. I didn't plan on using the pump to drain the tank but now I will! Should be as easy as putting a battery in it and turning the key to get the pump to turn.