New here, need advice please
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
New here, need advice please
Hello all,
I have a 396 stroker LT4 in a '96. 4 years ago, I was scheduled for surgery that I expected to bounce back from. I filled the tank in the Vette and parked it in the storage unit.
I didn't "bounce back" as I hoped, and the car hasn't been touched in these 4 years.
I'd like to get it home, and get out of the storage fees. I'm up to some limited work, and want to get the car up and running to see what it needs.
I'd like to ask for some advice on a procedure to get it running, and have a few questions..
Any chance the seals will soften up, or should I expect major leaks in every part of the driveline?
I don't know how I'd dispose of a full tank of gas...possible I can run what's in there through?
Any easy way to prime the oiling system w/these motors?
Any advice is apprciated, and it's nice to meet everyone.
I have a 396 stroker LT4 in a '96. 4 years ago, I was scheduled for surgery that I expected to bounce back from. I filled the tank in the Vette and parked it in the storage unit.
I didn't "bounce back" as I hoped, and the car hasn't been touched in these 4 years.
I'd like to get it home, and get out of the storage fees. I'm up to some limited work, and want to get the car up and running to see what it needs.
I'd like to ask for some advice on a procedure to get it running, and have a few questions..
Any chance the seals will soften up, or should I expect major leaks in every part of the driveline?
I don't know how I'd dispose of a full tank of gas...possible I can run what's in there through?
Any easy way to prime the oiling system w/these motors?
Any advice is apprciated, and it's nice to meet everyone.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: Slinger WI
At the minunium before you even switch the key, gas should be changed, all fluids changed, along with prepriming the oil system ( with new oil of course). should be done, I know, not what you wanted to hear, but it is the truth. I know, I heard 3 months is the shelf life of the new " reformulated" fuel. this is just the tip of the iceburg, as all maintanence needs to been done fresh.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Appriciate the reply. Not at all surprised at the recommendation to change the fluids including the gas.
Two questions then; how to get 16 gallons of gas out of the car safely and dispose, and how do I prime the oiling system on an LT4?
Two questions then; how to get 16 gallons of gas out of the car safely and dispose, and how do I prime the oiling system on an LT4?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 111
From: Cherokee National Forest TN
Cannot help with disposing the old gas.
To prime the engine: Remove the spark plugs & put oil in the cylinders using a pump style oil can. A half dozen pumps will suffice. Leave the spark plugs out.
Change the oil & filter. Fill the new filter with fresh oil on the work bench before installation. Spin the engine with the starter until pressure registers on the gauge then install the plugs.
To prime the engine: Remove the spark plugs & put oil in the cylinders using a pump style oil can. A half dozen pumps will suffice. Leave the spark plugs out.
Change the oil & filter. Fill the new filter with fresh oil on the work bench before installation. Spin the engine with the starter until pressure registers on the gauge then install the plugs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
You can use a fluid transfer hand pump like this. Comes with plenty of hose length. Got mine at Wal-Mart for like $6 dollars or something. As long as your catch container is lower than the level of the fuel tank, you won't have to keep pumping by hand the whole time. A few quick pump and the gas will continue to empty itself all the way automatically till the fuel tank reaches bottom, again as long as your catch container is lower than the level of the gas tank being emptied.
Depending on what you use to catch the fuel, about the only thing you might need to do it jack the rear of the car up higher.
Where to dispose, I can't tell you.
Depending on what you use to catch the fuel, about the only thing you might need to do it jack the rear of the car up higher.
Where to dispose, I can't tell you.
Last edited by 86PACER; Nov 20, 2009 at 06:10 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,305
Likes: 9
From: Weston FL
They sell those hand pumps at West Marine or any marine store as well... I had one that I used on my MB to take the oil out....
Just get it towed to your place or where your going to change the fluids at ...
Just get it towed to your place or where your going to change the fluids at ...
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,698
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Thanks very much for all the replies. After some thought, I answered my own question about the gas and fluids...mechanical and body shops alike use 55 gallon drums w/pumps to drain fuel tanks, and they have haz mat disposal accounts to get rid of the stuff. (I don't have a lawnmower) While there, they could do all the rest of the fluid changes. I'll have to pay two tow bills, but there's a shop between the storage facility and my house, so it shouldn't be bad. I know that getting this thing running again won't be free.
I was hoping there was a way to prime the oiling system to get the oil through the journals, etc, like we used to do with a drill and old oil pump shaft, but guess not. Hate to spin that crank on dry bearings, but using your suggestions should minimize the length of time that occurs.
I'll be imposing on you guys with lots more questions; there's other aspects of the car I want to address once I assess the general condition.. I'll post those in seperate threads.
Thanks again!
I was hoping there was a way to prime the oiling system to get the oil through the journals, etc, like we used to do with a drill and old oil pump shaft, but guess not. Hate to spin that crank on dry bearings, but using your suggestions should minimize the length of time that occurs.
I'll be imposing on you guys with lots more questions; there's other aspects of the car I want to address once I assess the general condition.. I'll post those in seperate threads.
Thanks again!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 111
From: Cherokee National Forest TN
"I was hoping there was a way to prime the oiling system to get the oil through the journals, etc, like we used to do with a drill and old oil pump shaft, but guess not. Hate to spin that crank on dry bearings, but using your suggestions should minimize the length of time that occurs."
Another suggestion: Fill the engine with enough oil to submerge the crank in oil. Rotate the crank so all the rod ends get oiled. Drain & refill with the required amount.
Another suggestion: Fill the engine with enough oil to submerge the crank in oil. Rotate the crank so all the rod ends get oiled. Drain & refill with the required amount.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 2
From: High Bridge New Jersey
Old fashioned siphon
Cannot help with disposing the old gas.
To prime the engine: Remove the spark plugs & put oil in the cylinders using a pump style oil can. A half dozen pumps will suffice. Leave the spark plugs out.
Change the oil & filter. Fill the new filter with fresh oil on the work bench before installation. Spin the engine with the starter until pressure registers on the gauge then install the plugs.
To prime the engine: Remove the spark plugs & put oil in the cylinders using a pump style oil can. A half dozen pumps will suffice. Leave the spark plugs out.
Change the oil & filter. Fill the new filter with fresh oil on the work bench before installation. Spin the engine with the starter until pressure registers on the gauge then install the plugs.