My 87 has been sitting since last fall and I need some counsel on the proper procedure for restarting it. I'm concerned about the engine lubrucation and want to make sure I don't damage the engine after it sat so long. Recommendations?

 

I would pull your fuel pump fuse and crank the motor 5 to 10 seconds to get the oil pumped to the top. Maybe do it several times and put in some fresh premium gas before you start it.

 

Was it sitting outside in the weather or tucked-away nice and dry in a garage. Difference is the amount of moisture it was subjected to...

Also, was the oil changed in the fall before it started it's 'sitting'? Difference is in the absence of acids in the bottom of the oil pan.

Was any gas stabilizer added to the gasoline? Difference is how gummed-up the gas will be.

How is the battery? If not on a charger/maintainer likey it is dead.

How are the tires? was their pressure increased before storage? were some insulation placed under the tires (e.g. cardboard). If not, flat spots might have resulted.

SO, if outside, ouch -- you could remove each spark-plug and put less than squirt of marvel mystery oil in each cylinder -- but this might harm the catalytic converter or the o2 sensors, so in the end -- I wouldn't do it.

If the oil wasn't changed, and you can get under the car to change it BEFORE starting it -- then do so, also change the oil filter -- BUT be sure to pre-fill the oil filter (take a few minutes and let the oil settle into the filter element so that you make sure it is as full as possible -- without spilling).

If gas stabilizer was not added, consider using a siphon (NO ELECTRICAL PUMPS) to drain out all fuel from the fuel tank -- then go to a gas station with a clean gas can and get 3-5 gallons of fresh premium (high test) gas and add it back to the tank.

If the battery was not being charged or is dead, BEFORE trying to start the car, consider removing it and replacing it with a new one -- remember size is important -- consider getting an AC Delco professional grade battery. This will prevent many problems with codes, ignition, etc. Also be sure to disconnect the negative cable first and re-connect it last.

Check and inflate the tires to 35 PSI cold before driving the car -- this might help reduce the flat spots more quickly.

 

go out there and start it and drive it. done!!
you think gm does anything with 1 year of inventory sitting on the lot.

 

I've been starting diesel and gasoline engines, big ones, small ones, 2 stroke and 4 stroke that have sat unstarted in ambiant temperature conditions for several months at a time, sitting from fall to spring and sitting from spring to fall - sometimes skipping a whole season which means they haven't turned a stroke for whole year. Since none of them were Corvettes we never hestitated to hit the key and just hope the darn thing would start.

Assuming that you took some time to change the oil/filter just before you put it away, filled the gas tank (added fuel stabilizer - optional), checked the coolant is up and there are no puddles underneath - just throw a battery in, turn the key to the power on position until the fuel pump cycles, give the ecm a few seconds to come to life and fire it up - keep the rpms down until it has warmed up, listen for strange noises and enjoy your ride.

If you really want to treat it with TLC - unplug your fuel pump and crank it over for a couple of 10 - 15 second intervals and then plug the fuse back in.

 

A good friend of mine has a '76 Cosworth Vega he's owned since day one and that car sits for many months at a time. He does nothing but start and go each time and it runs like a champ.