Not started in 15 yrs

[356 Rookie]

I just purchased a 57 356A that has not been started in over 15yrs. What steps should I take in getting this engine running ?.
Thanks.
-Greg

[356 Rookie]

Should I try to crank it over manually or should I just pull the engine and go through the cylinders ?. Any ideas about fuel lines and or carbs being fouled or gaskets dry ?. Just asking. Thanks.

[TimT]

Im not knowledgeable atbout 356 in any way( I own 911's) but I would try and fire it.....

If it doesnt run you have to rebuild........ and even if it does fire.... you should probably rebuild anyway....

[Jones Low]

You might want to change the oil and filter and take a look at the spark plugs. While you have the spark plugs out, squirk some motor oil into the spark plug holes and turn the engine manually by turning the gen/crank fan belt by hand. 15 years is a long time sitting. You might need to check fuel line hoses for cracks and leaks. If it starts up and has no leaks, I would change out all the fluids ASAP.

Jones Low
69-912
00-Box

[Wayne 962]

There's a standard procedure for starting *any* car that hasn't been run in 15 years:

- Clean out and replace all fuel lines.
- Look at the carburetors/fuel injection and spray some carb cleaner in there
- Replace ignition wires/cap/rotor/points
- Empty and change *all* fluids
- Charge up / replace battery
- Clean out engine compartment, and check for mouse nests in cooling fins of cylinders

Then, turn over the engine by hand. Then disconnect the igntion and run it using the starter until oil pressure builds. Then try to start it.

After it is running, add some injector / fuel cleaner to the gas tank.

Hope this helps,

-Wayne

[Roland Kunz]

Hello

Most is said but always drain the old oil and look for water, rust dirt.

If the old oil comes down easy and don´t smells like a dead rat the engines are mostly clean enough inside.

If so slime comes out or water then it is maybe better not to start the engine untill the heads had been pulled and the pistons/cylinders checked.

Old sticky piston rings tend to stick/bond onto the cylinderwall and will break apart wich will give you some 10-100 miles driving time untill something blows up

Now 15 years stored in a climate controled garage isn´t as hard to the car as 15 years stored in a old barn in the everglades or in a backyard from a house at venice beach

Grüsse

[356 Rookie]

Here is where I'm at...The engine was drained before storage (which has been inside a garage), I've pulled the plugs, poured oil down each plug hole as well as the carbs, I've turned the engine using a wrench then by hand from the crank pulley. I will be getting new plugs,wires, battery and cables this week. I will use the suggestions on this post and hopefully this weekend I will turn the key and have a running engine !.
Thanks.
-Greg
P.S. after pouring oil in the filler tube I drained it out and it seemed pretty clean. ( I'm keeping my fingers crossed !)

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Originally posted by 356 Rookie
Here is where I'm at...The engine was drained before storage (which has been inside a garage), I've pulled the plugs, poured oil down each plug hole as well as the carbs, I've turned the engine using a wrench then by hand from the crank pulley. I will be getting new plugs,wires, battery and cables this week. I will use the suggestions on this post and hopefully this weekend I will turn the key and have a running engine !.
Thanks.
-Greg
P.S. after pouring oil in the filler tube I drained it out and it seemed pretty clean. ( I'm keeping my fingers crossed !)

You poured oil down the carburetor?

[356 Rookie]

Sorry, it was carb cleaner down the carbs/intakes.
-Greg