1974 911 coupe set for 10 years with fuel in tank

[911jim]

hello I have just purchased a 1974 911 coupe. Per the owner the car ran fine before storing it in a garage for 10 years with fuel left in tank. I need to know the best place to start. I want to mechanically go through the car and make all mechanical systems work properly before body work and new paint job Any recommendation would be great

[Matt Monson]

Welcome to the board. Rule number one, any proper introduction require a few pictures of your car. Please?

[manbridge 74]

Stored in cool temps? You might get lucky.

How much rust?

Include some engine pics.

[allaircooled]

Yeah pictures are a necessity! Welcome to the mid year club.

[Bill Douglas]

Hi Jim.

Wayne's 101 project book and the Bently book will prove invaluable. Even the Haynes manual.

[HarryD]

Check post 21 in this thread: Winter storage checklist?

Grady has posted numerous times on getting a stored engine/car back on the road. Ignore his advise at your own risk.

[Bill Douglas]

Grady should write a book.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Grady should write a book.

In a manner of speaking, he did. Sadly, he is no
Longer with us.

[Bill Douglas]

Sorry, I didn't know.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by 911jim

hello I have just purchased a 1974 911 coupe. Per the owner the car ran fine before storing it in a garage for 10 years with fuel left in tank. I need to know the best place to start. I want to mechanically go through the car and make all mechanical systems work properly before body work and new paint job Any recommendation would be great

Hi Jim - welcome to the forums! I've attached a link to our site's DIY tech articles for your 911. The articles are broken down by section and are easy-to-follow guides to everything you may encounter when doing maintenance or troubleshooting any issues. Please let us know if you have any questions!

Porsche 911 (1965-1989) Technical Articles - Pelican Parts

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Sorry, I didn't know.

I did not intend my comment to be a slam on you. His passing was sad but he intentionally left us a great legacy so in one way, he lives on.

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by HarryD

I did not intend my comment to be a slam on you. His passing was sad but he intentionally left us a great legacy so in one way, he lives on.

Truth.

He did want to write a book, but it just never happened. But we do have his "archives" here.

[Joe Bob]

Ran fine before stored. Yeah, one of the better lines out there.

Rots a ruck.....change all the fluids, get a knowledgeable friend, have a fat wallet.buy a Bentley manual....

[jlex]

First thing is to drain all that stale gas. Do NOT try to start it before introducing fresh gas as you'll move crap all through the system. Install a new filter. I'd drain the tank, then take off the fuel sender. Peer into the tank with a flashlight & inspect the sides with your finger. If you see rust, you'll need to flush the tank or even have it blasted or chemically cleaned. On my '88 which sat with bad fuel for about 10 years, I had to replace the tank as it was too far gone along with the injectors. You will no doubt want to examine the fuel lines, then move on to replacing plugs. Fresh oil & filter, and new battery then see if it goes. Good luck.

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by jlex

First thing is to drain all that stale gas. Do NOT try to start it before introducing fresh gas as you'll move crap all through the system. Install a new filter. I'd drain the tank, then take off the fuel sender. Peer into the tank with a flashlight & inspect the sides with your finger. If you see rust, you'll need to flush the tank or even have it blasted or chemically cleaned. On my '88 which sat with bad fuel for about 10 years, I had to replace the tank as it was too far gone along with the injectors. You will no doubt want to examine the fuel lines, then move on to replacing plugs. Fresh oil & filter, and new battery then see if it goes. Good luck.

Definitely don't want to send any of that crud into the fuel distributor, though it will probably need to be cleaned and/or rebuilt anyway.

[911jim]

[911jim]

thanks for all the input! I will definitely purchase the books mentioned. I have attached a few pics as requested

[Joe Bob]

That's a keeper. Don't cheap out on the windscreen area rust. Pull the windshield and do it right. Great color, same as mine.

Learn to drive it before any upgrades. IF YOU DO feel the urge, suspension first. The engine will wait. It's a momentum ride not a drag racer. Carve the corners leave the wankers in the dust.

Welcome to our nightmare....

BTW, learn how to check the oil on a dry sump motor. Also, it's 12 quarts so hold onto your shorts. Have a BIG catch can.

[Geneman]

listen to joe bob he is the man!!!

[Matt Monson]

Nice.