Restart of 911 after 6 years

[73Por91127]

I have recently joined the forum knowing that you guys can provide me with lots of advice on restarting my '73 911 which has been sitting for approximately 6 years. The car was running fine when it went into the garage so I want to do this right. It's a 73.5 911T which was converted to a 2.7 with Euro Mahles, 40IDA Webers and Solex cams. I plan to clean out the carbs, change oil, filters, clean out the oil coolers and lines, sparkplugs, test wiring, drain the gas and go through the brake system before I even think of turning the key. What I am most interested in are any must do items that I didn't list and things to look for that will bite me hard. The engine only has about 25K on it so I don't want to mess this up. Let me know what you would do or not do if this was your car. Thanks for all the help you can give me.

Ray Gill
Lexington, SC

[KNS]

Look for rotted fuel lines and replace. You mentioned the brakes, if the rubber brake lines are very old, replace those too.

After you're done driving it around the block get some new tires on it.

[steely]

Hi Ray and welcome.
I'm no expert here, but I seem to remember reading here some guys pull the plugs and squirt marvel mystery oil (TM?) in the cylinders, and then hand crank a bit. Benefits rings etc

Lots more info here on situations similar to yours - you're on the right track - only advice I can offer is to search. But am sure more will chime in.
Throw a pic up of your baby when you get a chance.

[HarryD]

Hi Ray!

Welcome to the best 911 BBS on earth. You will find lots of great info here but we do like to see pictures of every one's ride, so if you do not mind, how about a shot or 2?

There are several threads here on how to properly start up a motor that has been stored for a while. Grady Clay is the guru of many things including this topic. Check this thread Spare Motor Storage...What to do and look for the posts by Grady Clay.

[kramer747]

Like Steely said - oil in the cylinders -I saw Wayne Corinney do this with an old Ferrari on chasing classic cars

[Evans, Marv]

I'll put in my usual comment about the pressure plate, disk, & flywheel being stuck. There are a couple of threads about this too.

[73Por91127]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the suggestions. Many of these I had not thought about. The article on storing your engine was great and I sure wish I had this when I put the car in the garage. It would have greatly reduced my concerns.

I have included a picture of my 911 which I have now owned for almost 30 years. I had the saddle interior redone back in '82 and it still looks like new. I was really please to read all the positive comments on other threads about the color olive. Some in the family have said you need to change the color since the car will need paint in a couple of years but I am certain it will be the same olive color. You don't see many olive 911s going down the road. I think the color is great. As I go through the process of getting her ready to drive I promise to send more pictures.

Thanks Again,
Ray

[73Por91127]

Thanks for the idea on the clutch being stuck. Checked and it sure is. I found your thread for freeing it up so I'll do that when the time comes. That will save me some grief.

Ray

[HawgRyder]

Be very careful about fuel leaks...it would be a shame to lose the car because of a bad hose or a loose fitting.
And...have a BIG fire extinguisher available when doing the first start....you probably won't need it...but think of the confidence it provides.
Bob

[JMatta]

Nice car and love the color...why was it put away for so long and unused? A thoroughbred like that needs exercise on a regular basis.

[73Por91127]

Thanks for asking. Many of us all go through things in life that get in the way. Mine was career and finally acute leukemia. Been there, done that and now its time to get back to the good things in life like my 911. Really am looking forward to hearing it roar once again.

Ray[img]

[BoxsterGT]

Thats a real beauty, Ray. Is it 414 Olive?

I have been looking for a 72 coupe in 414 for a friend for a few years. Very nice. Happy to help you getting it back on the road.

Try doing a search for "first start in over 30 years", it has lots of valuable info to consider.......

Be certain to do a proper pre-lube of the engine. Clean, flush & recondition the complete fuel system & brake system & replace all fluids w new.

Inspect all hoses & replace as needed.

Keep us informed of your progress.

Good Luck.

Len

[73Por91127]

Yep the car is Olive 414. The way I understand this was a special order color and I hope I can find the right paint when the time comes.

Ray

[HarryD]

Great looking car and hopefully you will be able to enjoy it for a long time.

Hopefully she starts up with little drama.

Besides this BBS, you may want to pop over to the Early 911S Registry BBS (Early 911S Registry) where they are all about the 1973 and older cars.

[Evans, Marv]

Whoa, that is a really beautiful car. You are right to keep it like it is. Plus sorry to hear about the circumstances causing it to set for so long.