Car Has Been Sitting Up For 3 Years – What To Do To Start Engine?
Reader Question
I have a car that has been sitting for 3 years (in a garage). What do I need to do to it first to begin driving it?
Thanks much,
Michael
Howdy Michael,
3 years? That’s a pretty long time for a vehicle to sit, but this is what I would start with if you were in my shop.
1. Drain old fuel from tank and refill with new. If you have to drop the tank to drain out the fuel, I would go ahead and replace the electric fuel pump and in tank filter while I was doing this repair. (Assuming this is a fuel injected engine)
2. Replace in line fuel filter
3. Change oil and filter
4. Replace battery
5. Check all fluids and top off
6. I would add a can of Marvel Mystery Oil to the new engine oil to make sure the top end of the engine gets properly lubricated. You can buy a can at any local auto parts store.
Try to start engine and see what happens, I really would not do much more than that at first….it might just start right up. If it does, I would SLOWLY drive it around the block a few times and see how it drives; does it overheat transmission shift ok, engine sound and drive ok?
If you do get it running, I would also consider doing the following
1. Replace thermostat and flush and refill radiator with new coolant and new radiator cap
2. Service the transmission fluid and filter (unless the transmission is slipping or has Lots of miles on it and you don’t know when the last filter replacement was)
3. Rotate and balance the tires (unless it has been sitting up on blocks) and inspect the brakes
If you can’t get the engine running…you might have to see a mechanic at least to get a diagnosis of the problem and see if you can tackle the repair yourself at home.
Blessings,
Austin Davis
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Filed under: Won't Start Issues
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how much that run you?
About $1500 give or take. I have seem some vehicles that have sat up for years and only need a battery and some fresh gasoline to get them started again, BUT those vehicles were stored properly and the fuel was completely drained from the vehicle before storage.
Hi im looking into buying a wagoneer that hasnt been started in a year and a half the guy claims new gas , a battery and a carb cleaning should get it going. I dont know how much i believe that i mean why wouldnt he just do that and raise the price. how would i know if the motor was viable with out being able to start it. i have enough money to do all the things listed hear not for a over haul or replacement so what things should i check thanks for your help
I personally would not buy this vehicle….too many unknowns for me to risk. If you are interested in it, have the owner pay to tow it to a qualified mechanic, hopefully YOUR mechanic and let them look it over before you buy it.
I have a little mustang that i drove to washington where it started leaking oil. I took it to three mechanics there, two said nothing was wrong, one replaced the valve cover gasket, but said that there was a leak coming from the oil pan. Since i got it back to oregon i let it set not knowing what my next step with it would be. It has been less than a year since i started it up and drove it, no problems, but, as i have said, it has been sitting. Any suggestions on what i should get checked out? I need its battery recharged or a new one.
Someone is going to have to clean off the oil spill area with varsol or brake cleaner the run the engine to check for the leak. Without a clean and dry engine it’s pretty hard to pinpoint the source. Do not use water to clean an engine!