Starting car for first time in years 1988 911

[Evan911]

I'll be starting the car for the first time in many years and going through the maintenance list. What caveats can you guys share before I start. I have a tentative list. Updated:

1. Drain gas (sitting for several years). - I had the wrong tool, will try again this Saturday.
a. Pull remove filter strainer -
b. add fuel injector cleaner -
c. Pull test cap off the fuel rails -
d. Pump fresh gas through lines after filling tank with fresh gas -jumpering the fuse block and also by cranking the engine.

2. Flush brake lines - Completed.
3. Replace Battery - Completed.
4. Remove plugs. Once removed spin by hand.
5. Check Timing - (I'll have to read up on timing)
6. Change oil - Completed.

7. Disconnect the DME relay under the driver seat. Or, the injector plug (rear left by crossmember)
a. Then use the starter to get pressure up to 2 Bars - Hopefully this weekend I can accomplish this.

8. Look around for Mause - no mouse.

9. Fuel Line inspection: Test run fuel pump using fuses 16 and 17. How do I test run? I am turning the ignition to the "on" position before starting and letting it run in that position? I am pulling those fuses to do this test?


. Basic Maintenance
- plugs - completed
- Cap / Rotor - completed.
- Spark Plug wires:
- Air filter: Completed.

I didn't add the Mystery Oil, forgot to do that while I was replacing, will remove plugs this weekend again and add 2 tablespoons in the cylinders.

5. Tires: Ordered.

6.

Any tips are greatly appreciated.

[mikesarge]

Sounds like you’ve got the right idea. I’d add:

Spin it by hand with the plugs out, listen for any strange noises.
Check ignition timing while you’re doing that.
Change the oil.

[Bill Douglas]

As Mike said, spin it by hand and get some oil floating around.

[john walker's workshop]

Disconnect the dme relay under the driver seat or the injector plug at the left side of the rear shock crossmember, then use the starter until the oil pressure gauge shows 2 bar. Be careful to hold the complete plug as you remove it so you don't just pull the cap off the plug and possibly pull the wires out of it.

[da Vinci Dan]

Clean out any mouse nests or other debris that may have collected. Take a close look at fuel lines. Have a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

[boyt911sc]

Test run the fuel pump using fuses #16 & #17 counting from the front. Let the fuel pump run for a few minutes and check for any sign of fuel leak in the system. Do NOT run the motor until you have checked and confirmed this test. Plus the other recommendations.

Tony

[Dan Owens]

I just went thru the exact same thing 2 weeks ago.


1. I would pull the filter strainer from the gas tank after you drain the gas and before you try to crank it over or fill with new gas to get the sludge out of the system as part of draining the tank.

2. Add some good injector cleaner to the new gas when you refill.

3. pull the test cap off the fuel rails and pump fresh gas thru the lines after refilling with gas. Do this both by jumpering the fuse block and also by cranking the engine. Consider changing the fuel filter at this point

4. pulse the injectors to get them working as they may very well be stuck shut. you may need to tap them to help open them.

5. replace the air filter.

after you do all he prep to restart, if the engine doesn't start on it's own try spraying some starter fluid into the air intake snorkle. if it starts this way but not normally be prepared to pull the injectors and clean them and replace the injector seals. (ask me how I know this! )

6. post your questions and frustrations here and ask for help if needed

[Evan911]

Thanks guys I've got a really good starting point and list sounds spot on. I've updated it for reference. I'll more than likely need a reference book as well.

A few things seem pretty straight forward, others I'll have to ask again.

[IS300]

pics help too

[remigio]

I added 6 fl oz of STP octane booster to the 10 gals of new gas (91 octane) yesterday. My car sat a couple of years.

[remigio]

Caveat: I am a certified newbie so heed my adv w caution.

[HarryD]

Check posts 20 and 21 by Grady Clay in this thread. Lots of great advice. Winter storage checklist?

[Fairview]

Before starting, and while you have the spark plugs out, squirt some oil, such as Marvel Mystery Oil, into each cylinder and rotate the engine by hand a few revolutions. This will lubricate those dry cylinders before lighting it up. I used a few tablespoons in each cylinder.

The added benefit is that the smoke from the oil will add a very dramatic feature to the whole operation!

[Evan911]

Originally Posted by HarryD

Check posts 20 and 21 by Grady Clay in this thread. Lots of great advice. Winter storage checklist?

Ok thank you right on that. I'm looking for a pasts list for the Major tune up.
I don't know why I didn't have it on my Excel spreadsheet.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by Evan911

Ok thank you right on that. I'm looking for a pasts list for the Major tune up.
I don't know why I didn't have it on my Excel spreadsheet.

To me, a major tune-up (every 15,000 miles) consists of:
Replace filters (air, oil gas)
Replace plugs
Replace/adjust points (if present)
Adjust valves
Replace engine and transaxle oil
Adjust timing
Check CV Joint Bolts
Lubricate throttle linkages
Adjust clutch (if needed)
Lubricate hinges
Check/adjust wheel bearings
Check/replace brake pads and rotors (as needed)
Check/replace tires (if needed)

[Evan911]

Originally Posted by Fairview

Before starting, and while you have the spark plugs out, squirt some oil, such as Marvel Mystery Oil, into each cylinder and rotate the engine by hand a few revolutions. This will lubricate those dry cylinders before lighting it up. I used a few tablespoons in each cylinder.

The added benefit is that the smoke from the oil will add a very dramatic feature to the whole operation!

Just put in an order for this. Thanks

[TDHarris]

An addition to others' suggestion to check for mouse debris. Borrow a borescope to snake through the cooling fan and look for nest material on the cylinders. Nest material will block air flow, possibly leading to broken head studs, or worse.

[Evan911]

I was trying to upload pictures of the 911 from Google Photos. I'll see if I can figure it out...