No Start after Sitting for 8 Months

[chris_hill_555]

Yes, I know there are a ton of threads on this problem, but I thought I would get a fresh read from some experts.

Car has been mostly sitting for the past 2 years. I pulled the steering rack out about 8 months ago and rebuilt it. Just got it back in with the newly rebuild PS pump as well. Tried to start the car to check for leaks and it won't start. Car ran fine before it went down for long repair. I know sitting is not great for these cars, but it still seems odd.

After a failed start, I realized that the gas was almost empty, so I put 4 gallons of 93 octane in. But I did try to start before that, so there may be some contamination with old fuel.

I also turned the engine over for 20 or 30 seconds with the DME relay removed in order to get some lubrication going.

Anyway, symptoms....

1) Turn the ignition and the engine does turnover. No problem there.
2) Tachometer initially jumps up to about 2k and bounces for a second. then it drops and moves just a little in its resting place.
3) Engine seems like it is trying to start. There is something that sounds like ignition firing going on, but nothing significant.

So, I know .... Spark, Fuel and Timing. Im getting ready to start the troubleshooting steps on each, but thought I would ask the question, since the tach is jumping a little.

If everything checks out, my plan of attack would be:

a) replace reference sensors
b) replace DME relay - I will jumper to eliminate this as an issue.
c) replace fuel filter.

[Pauld_94S2]

d) replace fuel pump

[Ga 951]

symptom 2 got my attention.

My tach bounces about 1/16th inch while the engine cranks. Definitely does not go to 2000 then settle.
I would check the plugs/wiring for the ref sensor first. Not sure where the ground is for the ref sensor but worth a check b4 spending $$.

[Alexb944]

the tach jump may have something to do with the speed and ref sensor, since I belive the reference sensor has to be close the teeth of the flywheel.. or something like that. i may be completely stupid for saying that.. but im a newbie also.

[Jfrahm]

Seems wise to try a puff of starting fluid before spending money on parts. Usually a car sitting a long time these days gets that horrible green crud in the fuel system.