First start after long storage....
 

Hello all,

I have purchased a '73 911S and will be picking it up in the next few weeks. The car has been well taken care-of and was a concours winner several times (all receipts, etc). The previous owner is elderly and the car has sat for several years. It's been in a climate controlled garage and the car was running (just tuned actually) when it was parked. The batteries have since died and it hasn't been started since.

What kind of procedure goes into starting a flat-6 air cooled engine after so long? Any pointers or suggestions would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time.

............. PS - I WILL have MANY pictures upon pickup. So, keep your pants on. SmileWavy

Anyone? :confused:

I think the search function will serve you well here. I was just reading on this topic last night. A couple of great posts lie within!

Jake... this may go against Porsche brain surgery rules but I would check the oil record and if OK... crank it without battery/starting to circulate the oil as internal parts are surly dry from the long sit. Then question the condition and level of fuel. Might be good to bleed the system and replace the fuel filter. Could go to the extent of pulling the injectors --- I'm lazy so I'd see if it would start without doing that. If it starts and runs well... run a few bottles of Techron through.

I've heard of engines sitting around for 7 years that fired up and ran fine. And others that needed adjustments to get going. If your '73 has been as well cared for as you say... I think you'll be on the fortunate side.

Draco and/or Bob Kontak should chime in on this --- they will know.

Kinda hard to check oil on a dry sump motor since the dip stick and gauge don't register until the engine is warm.

Change the oil & filter, replace the fuel filter, drain the tank, put fresh gas in the tank and fire it up.

If you have no records about the last tuneup, this is the time to replace the cap, rotor, plugs, and ignition wires.

If it were my own car, I'd remove the fan assembly to make sure no mouse nests were on top of the engine under the shroud. You would never believe what I've seen and the consequences of an undetected nest is VERY expensive.

After long storage the part that gets most affected is the fuel tank. If a substatial amount of gasoline was left in it there is the problem of rust developing inside. Also gasoline will turn into solid sludge at the bottom where the outlet is located. The outlet could be completely plugged up. Same goes for the return inlet into the tank. Rust and slughe can affect and pollute the whole fuel delivery system substantially. Ideally, before long term storage, the fuel tank should be emptied.

Good stuff, Steve. Thanks, I never thought about what lurks behind the fan shroud!

Thanks everyone else as well for the great input. I tried to search, but couldn't find anything related to restarting after LONG TERM storage. Maybe I was just using the wrong words. (But, I knew the first reply would be a "Search, ya noob!" post. :p So, thanks for getting that outta the way. :D )

Here are some links to starting a Porsche after a long rest:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/659813-77-sitting-7-years-ive-changed-almost-everythng-still-not-starting.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/609379-1974-911-first-start-over-30-years.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/635005-help-me-bring-79-sc-targa-back-life-2.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/635005-help-me-bring-79-sc-targa-back-life.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/189572-long-term-commonly-neglected-maintenance.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/672599-started-right-up-after-long-18-year-hibernartion.html

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/752027-trying-awaken-my-78-911-sc-its-13-year-sleep.html

After all that, I would not be too concerned about a Porsche restart after a long sleep. But, a liitle caution and preparing what can rather easily be done, before starting up the engine, goes a long way.

Looking forward to pictures of the Tangerine car. One of my favorite colors!

Thanks for the links, Sir. :)

Well, next weekend is the BIG weekend where she comes home!!!! :eek:


Once I get it back to the shop, I will drain the fuel tank, change the fuel filter, change the oil/filter..... and PRAY!

There was mention of Techron fuel treatment by Discseven. My mechanic has been using Seafoam for a long while now and has had great results. Anyone have any objections or bad experience with running a can of Seafoam through the fuel system to clean out the gunk?

Seafoam on start ups after long storage. Techron for the occasional tank on a daily driver.