car has been in storage. Need help starting

power · 11-23-2002, 04:20 AM

I am going to look at a 1967 911S tomorrow and I am probably going to purchase the car. I already own a 1972 911T targa so I am familiar with the early cars. The 1967 911S I am going to look at has been sitting in a garage and has not been started for the last 10 years. Any suggestions on starting a car that has been sitting this long? My only thoughts, after first changing the oil, were to try and get oil into cylinders through spark plug opening. Once some oil was in cylinders I was going to try turning over by hand several times to loosen everything up and get oil in pump. Then try grounding coil and turning over to circulate oil. Then try starting. I am going to have the car towed to an experienced mechanic for a PPI and have him start the car. I would just like thoughts on starting it after sitting this long?

McDaniel · 11-23-2002, 09:03 AM

Recently started my '74 911 that had been sitting for over 6 years. Just to give you an idea of what you may be facing.....
1. Fuel in the tank is probably stale. Drain and replace with
small quantity.
2. Fuel in lines, pump and for sure the injectors has turned to
varnish. Remove and clean pump. Replace and then clear
line from tank to pump. Then line from pump to CIS. You may
have to take the injectors to a shop to have them cleaned.
3. Definately have oil in cylinders before trying to turn over.
4. Check and/or replace plugs. (you're going to have then out
anyway to put the oil in the cylinders.)
5. Don't forget to drain both case and oil tank. Replace filter.
6. Be prepared for major smoke/fumes. Start in a well ventilated
place.
All this is just off the top of my head...sure I have forgotten some
things...maybe others will add.
Good luck

Early_S_Man · 11-23-2002, 09:15 AM

I suggest draining the fuel tank and cleaning the fine bronze screen prefilter inside the tank at the outlet fitting ... put in 5 gallons of premium 93 octane gas, if you can find it ... assuming that the tank isn't full of rust! That engine needs premium gas with its' 9.8:1 compression ratio! New OEM fuel hoses from the tank to the carbs would be a good idea.

You will be very lucky if the caliper pistons aren't frozen!

tryan · 11-23-2002, 09:35 AM

sounds like a car in the barn story again. strike up the band.

was the car pickled before it was put up? i would take the owner to the ppi, just in case something happens. knock on wood.

the fuel is putty, you will have to flush it all out.

the brakes will be scary.

make sure our rodent friends haven't nested/eaten on the car over the last ten years.

there was a suggection on a boating forum to completely fill the engine with fresh oil and let it sit to protect the valve guides on initial start up. of course it would be a pain in the arse to get all of that oil back out of the cylinders on a 911 motor. has anybody ever tried this? you might try a turkey baster with a hose and let it sit a few days afterwards.

i have had floats hang up over the winter on the boats. ( gas everywhere) be prepared. outside, fire extinguiser ect.

when you do get it fired back up, could you put that smell in a mason jar and mail it to me . i'm sick ,but i love that smell.

john70t · 10:09 AM

I've heard transmission fluid works pretty too because of the detergent properties. Definitly let it sit a few days to free up the rings and turn it over slowly many times.
Before you start it, take the spark plugs out and crank it to bring up oil pressure.
One way to quickly get rid of the gum in the engine is to put a can of Rislone in and IDLE (only!!) the engine for about 15-20 minutes and then change the oil/filter again.

The seals (i,e, the crank to the trans) may have dried up as well. After using valvoline for high mile engines(rust colored container) which has a seal conditioner, most of my minor leaks seemed to stop.

power · 11-23-2002, 07:46 PM

Thanks for the tips, I had forgotten about the brakes they were frozen on my 72 911t when I bought it. Had to replace all brake lines and flush master cylinder. If I purchase the car I'll post the pics, from the pictures I've seen, the car has been modified from original, has RS spoiler,carrera tail, fender flares and BBS wheels.

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

definitly check for rodents in the cooling fins... if I hadn't have checked they would have burnt up my engine. Also check all linkages and such. My throttle bodies were really really stiff. My car only sat for a year and that's what I'm dealing with.