How to start?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 176
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From: Rocklin California
How to start?
I just got my fathers 73 Vette. It has been stored in Michigan , and not started, for the last 4 years.What should I do before trying to start it? I was thinking, drop the gas tank to clean it out, blow out all the fuel lines, rebuild the carb, and change points and plugs. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Bubs
Bubs
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
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From: Columbia Missouri
I just got my fathers 73 Vette. It has been stored in Michigan , and not started, for the last 4 years.What should I do before trying to start it? I was thinking, drop the gas tank to clean it out, blow out all the fuel lines, rebuild the carb, and change points and plugs. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Bubs
Bubs
Also drain and replace all fluids, and I would even pull the distributor and prime the engine using a priming tool and a power drill.
Check all vacuum lines, air filter, belts...stuff that would get get checked or changed in a tuneup.
Welcome to the forum.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
I just got my fathers 73 Vette. It has been stored in Michigan , and not started, for the last 4 years.What should I do before trying to start it? I was thinking, drop the gas tank to clean it out, blow out all the fuel lines, rebuild the carb, and change points and plugs. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Bubs
Bubs
- Pull spark plugs, add 1-oz oil to each hole. Reuse old plugs to fire up. New plugs after burning off oil.
- After changing crankcase oil, crank it until you have oil pressure before starting (disconnect ign)
- Replace belts, hoses, coolant, and thermostat. Dont' forget thermostat!
- Replace brake hoses front and rear
- Flush brake fluid completely so there is no old fluid left in brake system
- Check DOT numbers on tires//if more than 4-5 yrs old buy new. To be useable they would have to have been new when parked.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 361
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From: Valley AL
Pull the spark plugs and pour 1-2 oz. Marvel Mystery oil into each cylinder and replace plugs. It's not a bad idea to also remove the valve covers and pour some MMO across the rocker arms and valve springs Let it sit for 2-3 days(now's the time to do the tank and carb.) .Remove plugs again and crank the engine over to blow out any left-over liquid. Now replace the spark plugs with new ones(wouldn't be a bad idea to replace wires also). I would then change the oil and filter. While the filter is off, check the bypass to make sure it is not stuck.
I have done this with engines that have set up for 10+ years and have always had great luck.
Let us know how it goes.
I have done this with engines that have set up for 10+ years and have always had great luck.
Let us know how it goes.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 253
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From: Remlap AL
Have a fire extinguisher ready before connecting the battery cables. The wire harness at the starter decided to short after mine has been parked for 21 years. Four years should not be that bad though. Btw, I syphoned the gas out of the tank then syphoned the lines dry, added fresh gas in the tank and syphoned till I got clean gas.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: bottom of the sea
and i would even try turning the engine by hand to see if its locked up. if you do anything, just prime that oil system first
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
All that stuff is great for getting ready to start it...but you shouldn't be thinking of starting it quite yet. Do all of the stuff listed above, plus check out all the brake components, bearing condition (at least re-pack the fronts), evaluate the steering components (nothing hung-up, dragging, loose), and make sure you have good rubber on the wheels. If my 'guess' is correct, as soon as you start it up, you'll want to drive it. [Am I right?] 
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Race Director
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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Remlap AL
Tell me the secret how to turn the engine by hand? I tried and that bugger is TIGHT. I also tried turning the flywheel but it did not move a milimeter. I finally gave up and hit the starter and it turned fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: I'd like to propose a toast... to internal combustion and wind in the face.
Yes it could though I'm doubtful this one has after having been in storage for just four years.
Using a 1/2" drive ratchet on the harmonic balancer bolt should do the trick though you'd probably need to remove the spark plugs first.
Using a 1/2" drive ratchet on the harmonic balancer bolt should do the trick though you'd probably need to remove the spark plugs first.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
with a 1/2 socket and 20 in. ratchet, I can rotate my big block engine relatively easy even without removing the plugs.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
The freedom to turn the 'engine' over depends on the transmission, also. If the car is an automatic, the torque converter, charging pump, etc. are turning also. Manual tranny is disconnected with the clutch.