bringing a car back to life after long term storage

[tommyturbo]

Ok, so here goes. One of my Shelby Z's has been sitting in the garage going on 6 years or more now, I honestly forgot the last time It was driven. There was no plan to let it go so long, but alot happened (cared for my mom for 5 while she battled cancer, and dealt with my career changes etc) and it just wasn't a top priority to pay attention to it, and Yes I feel bad about it.

Now I'd like to get it running again in the spring. I'm in California, but will wait till the rainy season is over.

So What should I do to get it going again with the least amount of problems or damage potential.

Thanks

[Anonymous_User]

1.) Change the oil

2.) If possible, prime the oil pump

3.) Drain all fuel out of it.

4.) REPLACE THE RUBBER FUEL LINES

5.) Check air breather, etc. for mouse nests, etc.

6.) Charge battery

7.) Enjoy

[135sohc]

Fog the cylinders with a small amount of oil.

[moparfwdsleeper]

1.) Change the oil

2.) If possible, prime the oil pump

3.) Drain all fuel out of it.

4.) REPLACE THE RUBBER FUEL LINES

5.) Check air breather, etc. for mouse nests, etc.

6.) Charge battery

7.)Add new fuel

8.) Enjoy

Fixed!

[BIGBRUDDA]

I like to flush the fuel system .
A) drain tank ,either drop it(preferred) or pump it out thru the 5/16 tap alongside the other taps.
B)Fill tank with 2-3 gallons of Paint thinner , Mineral spirits.
C) apply 12 volts to the fuel pump. let it run for15- 30mins. disconnect power
D)open up fuel line at return line to tank
E) reapply 12 volt to pump out flush fluid.
F) renew all rubber fuel lines and filter
G) use double recomended amount fuel injector cleaner for first 2 tanks.
Its worked well on the last 2 resurections.

I'll let someone else write the brake story.

[tommyturbo]

God, this sounds like fun...I should have never let it go so long. I'm affraid to think about the brakes.......

[Anonymous_User]

God, this sounds like fun...I should have never let it go so long. I'm affraid to think about the brakes.......

Brakes don't go bad if the car don't move. A caliper could stick or something, but normally you'll just have rusty rotors which will rectify itself in about a block or two.

[tommyturbo]

I'm hoping that the fact that the car is located in a dry part of socal, and has been in the garage away from animals and dampness will help.

[MopàrBCN]

Hi, whenever I got a TD I was facing allways the same type of problems:

Oil Leaks and Rubberparts.

so in adition to the already mentioned:

1. Change Break Fluid, bleed system
2. Have a close look at all the vacuum lines. From my experience with various TDs I actually would replace them all on any car I would get in the future without even looking at them. If you replace one usually the next weak one breaks so I change them all.
3. Flush cooling system and replace coolant. Check for leaks
4. Replace PCV Valve
5. Don't stress your Powersteering. In fact, I usually raise the car at first an use it so the wheels don't have any resistance. That way I check for leaks and feel comfortable that all passages get primed with oil
6. Grease Balljoints etc.
7. Change Timing Belt!
8. Have a good look at A/C-,PS- and Alternatorbelts
9. Change the Air Filter!
10. Check wheel bearings

Enjoy!!

[87glhs]

The other guys pretty much nailed it, but I would add two things--

--Fuel system: I would also remove the tank, if possible, and carefully pull the sender/fuel pump assembly out and inspect it, including the +12vdc wiring where it connects to the fuel pump. If you see a lot of rust inside the tank, take it to a radiator shop and have it steamed out and coated with a sealer (red-coat), or replace it. Once you get a heavy rust build-up in the tank it's hard to adequately clean it on your own.

--Brakes: In addition to bleeding and replacing the fluid, put the car up on jack stands and spin each wheel/step on the brakes to make sure they work. Calipers and rear cylinders notoriously seize up when not used for long periods--it has to do with the older DOT3 brake fluid absorbing moisture. When you bleed out your system have a look at the color of the fluid--if it's brownish it's contaminated and chances are you'll have some other issues.

Good luck!

[86trbolancer]

air up your tires!!!!!

yeah i know...pointing out the obvious

lol



and if you need help with anything theres lots of SoCal tm'ers on this site that would probably be more than willing to come give you a hand!!!! i would if i lived down there...pm me if you need some help finding them on here

l8r

ryan

[tommyturbo]

Actually it would be great to have help with this, probably won't do it until the spring time though.

[Anonymous_User]

Dropping the tank, flushing the brake fluid. . . man, y'all are paranoid.