We have an old car that has not been started in a year. What should I do for it besides a new new battery?

Question

There was nothing wrong with it when we stopped using it. I suspect I should change the oil and flush the radiator before trying to start it. Anything else? Thanks -

Answer 1

You really don't have to flush the radiator or change the oil.
What I would do is put in some dry gas, but not too much if the tank isn't full.. Check the oil. If there is enough, crank the engine for about 2 seconds. (Don't try to start it right off because you need to get oil over the engine parts) Crank it again for 2 sec. and then try to start. DO NOT REV IT UP!! Let it idle for two minuets, then play with the gas.

Answer 2

change the oil and flush the radiator it wouldnt hurt to change the air filter check good sitting for a year you might have mice that built a nest in the engine compartment put some gas treatment in it the old gas has lost some of its octane dont worry about any varnish from the tank it will not clogg lines or carb change the fuel filter the car has not been sitting long enough to make the gas gel up when you first go to start it crank a few times and stop to get the gas up to the engine when it starts let it idle a while before giving it any gas so the oil will pump up through the motor cranking it will not pump oil in it the car must be running first you may need to change spark plugs also ....good luck hope it starts

Answer 3

dont take any chances, have the old gas drained
even if it hasnt turned into muck, it still pulls water out of the air
clean the carb and intake with the spray cleaner
add some oil before starting it because all the oil is settled at the bottom and the valves will be dry
change or recharge the battery
add clean fuel and give it some additives to clean out the lines

you might want to have a mechanic, or yourself, try to turn the crankshaft by hand first to make sure the engine is locked up
the nut at the front of the engine is treaded backwards to turn it with a big wrench to see if it moves (make sure tranny is in neutral)
if it moves, it is not frozen, it you can not move no matter how hard you try, your engine might be stuck due to corrosion
if you start it with the starter and the piston and cylinder walls are full of corrosion, you will kill you engine
you can also take off the oil pan and check for corrosion instead of all this

Answer 4

As said I'd go along the lines of a fuel treatment. I also got some good stuff called "lucas" which you add when you get an oil change, which you should get. You should ask about it though. It may cost extra, but it helps to cut down on the burning of oil and it will revamp, for lack of better words, your tubes, valves and seals. Coolant check might be a good idea too.

Answer 5

Your gasoline might be borderline bad in it, too. Gasoline becomes a gelatin over time. That's a pretty big headache for you, but removing the gas tank and cleaning the inside, as well as disconnecting the fuel line at the engine and flushing it, and replacing the fuel filter would all be precautions to avoid fouling up the insides of your engine.

Old car, huh? Worth anything? If not, I would just take my chances, but at least replace the fuel filter.

Answer 6

change the oil and filter and put a gas treatment in it along with the new filter. Check all your hoses for rot. Check all your fluids,. Put air in the tires.

Answer 7

Drain the fluids and refill. If you try to crank it over with old gas in it the varnish will clog the carbs..$$$ repairs

Answer 8

you dont have to change fluid right off but put some dry gas in it and you might need some starting fluid let it run to burn carbon build up out of it mite smoke alil