I have an 1987 chevy caprice that does not start?

Question

My chevy caprice has been sitting in my driveway for at least 6 years and I have not got a chance to start it up what should i do and the car has real low miles 40,000 on 1987 caprice

Answer 1

I own a shop, and I just did one about like that about 3 months ago. The rings were stuck, it had no compression, the fuel was dead, the carburetor was clogged up, and it would not hit a lick. What I did was purchase a couple of cans of WD-40, a new set of spark plugs, and a quart bottle of (oil additive) some stuff named Risilone.
I removed the spark plugs, and sprayed about 1/4 of a can of the WD-40 into each spark plug hole, stuck the old plug back in finger tight, and let it sit for about 48 hours. I purchased a new battery, cleaned the cables real good, paying close attention to the grounds where they attached to the body, engine, and frame. I cleaned them back shinny, and put some lithum grease on them before tightening them back down. I removed the spark plugs, and the dust cover from the flywheel, and used a large straight blade screw driver to pry the flywheel back an forth until the rings unstuck from the piston walls. Once the pistons were free, and I could turn the engine freely, I sprayed more WD-40 into the spark plug holes to hopefully unstick the rings from the pistons. The rings will stick in both places, on the pistons, and against the cylinder walls, so you must be very careful to not break the rings, as they are brittle, and will snap real easy. After letting it set for another 24 hours with the WD-40 in the cylinders, I removed the spark plugs, hooked the battery up, and used the starter to spin the engine over for about 2-3 minutes in order to blow all the crud out of the cylinders. I gapped the new spark plugs, and installed them. I removed the fuel filter, and got all the fuel out of the tank I could, and installed 5 gallons of fresh fuel. You must understand that your fuel tank may very well have rust in it now, and may be a serious problem. It may take several fuel filters to catch all the loose stuff before the fuel system will come back to normal. Then again it may be ok with just one new filter. I then poured the Risilone into the oil. I purchased a can of starting fluid, and sprayed about 3-4 seconds of this stuff down into the engine with the throttle in the wide open position. I hit the starter, and it turned over about two times before it fired up like it was a normal engine. The lifters will be stuck so "DO NOT" rev the engine up, just let it idle as low as it wants too without quitting. I made sure it had coolant in the radiator before hand, and let it come up to temperature while watching for problems such as a sticking thermostat, but I got lucky. I ran the engine for a good 20 minutes, and when I was certain it would run ok, I changed the oil to a 10w 30w Casterol and added a new oil filter. The engine, and exhaust will smoke to no end for a little while, and you will think it is shot, but if the engine is still good it will stop this after the engine is good and hot. All rubber parts such as Belts, Hoses, Brake Cylinders (master & wheel) will probably have to be replaced because they will go bad from sitting and the moisture build up inside them will pit the cylinders beyond repair, so don't take off down the road until you are sure you have brakes. Keep a watch on the brakes as the hoses that run from the frame to the wheel cylinders may be bad, and cause one or more of the wheels to lock up and slide. If they do, then you will have to replace the hose, and bleed the brakes out. Pay close attention to any fuel hoses that are on the vehicle, as they can and will go bad without warning. You need to start the vehicle outside, have a fire extinguisher handy, and keep a keen eye on everything. The cooling system may let the engine start to run hot so keep an eye on this also. Once the rings wear a new pattern in the cylinder walls (after about 10 minutes) you can begin to bring the engine RPM's up to around 2,000 - 2,500. The valve steem seals may, or may not be bad, but if you rev the engine up, and let off the accelerator quickly (while watching the exhaust pipe), and there is blue smoke that comes out of the pipes, then the seals will have to be replaced.
Glad to help out, good Luck!!!

Answer 2

When you put the key in the ignition and turn it, does the engine turn over? If not, your battery is dead (and if it has been sitting that long you should replace the battery). If it does turn over, or if you replace the battery and it still doesn't start, the list of potential problems is VERY long. Your best bet would be to do the basic tune-up (change the oil and oil filter, replace the air filter, replace the spark plugs and possibly the spark plug wires as well) if the weather in your area is warm enough. If that doesn't do the trick, you should take it to your local mechanic before you spend any more money on it. Most mom-and-pop outfits give free estimates, so ask around and take it somewhere that has a good reputation. Good luck!

Answer 3

Boy if I were you I would change all the fluids in the motor. Put in a new oil filter and have all the old gasoline removed from all parts of the fuel system, I dont know where the fuel filter is, but you might need to change this. Take out each spark plug and add a few sqirts of penetrating oil to each cylinder and let it sit overnight. The next day try turning the motor over with the plugs still out to get the oiling system up to pressure and all the bearings lubricated, you should dissconnect the fuel pump b4 you do this. Put the plugs back in and hook up the fuel pump then cross your fingers. If it starts check for leaks and do not rev the motor for a few minutes. You might find you will have some fuel contamination and may need to clean the injectors, I use a small can of "sta-bil: or its equivilant to remove the gunk from your fuel system. Good luck.

Answer 4

First thing to do is to get the old gas out of it. Then fix the original problem with the car. (Why it was parked) Then get a new battery. If the car has been sitting that long the gaskets and excellerator pump in the carburator need to be replaced. (Carb rebuild) Check all the belts, hoses, coolant, and change the oil and filter. Then try to start it up. You may have to pour a "little" gas in the carb to get it to fire the first time. If you need more info, you can email me at [e-mail] Good luck.

Answer 5

Tow it to a garage and have it looked over! They should be changing the oil, putting in a new set of spark plugs and draining any fuel that is in it to be replaced with fresh fuel, but that would be to just get it running. The other things that need to be looked at are the brakes and steering as they may be possibly seized. Tires may also have dry rotted over this time as well. Expect some oil leaks from dryed out gaskets too.

Answer 6

first raise the hood and reach down and grab where the fan bolts on at..if that turns,then the motor aint froze up.and if thats the case i suggest replaceing the battary the connecters and cables.then change the oil and oil filter..and of course the spark pluges and pluge wires.drain the radiator and put new antifrzze in then water..make sure all the other fluieds are good and filled..might want to even check the brake pads..that way you can take the car for a lil test drive if it should start up..oh yeah..make sure you have good radiator hose's on thereright along with new fan belt (s)might want to try bleeding the brakes as well,just to make sure there's no air in the brake lines

Answer 7

i own a repair shop,and you need to install a new battery in it and also have some fresh gas to put in it,and keep a little bit out to prime it with,through the carburetor,and try to start it,make sure it has oil in it,,and it might not be a bad idea to change the oil in it but give it a try ,it may take a little while but im sure you can get it started,,but if it was running when it was parked,it should run now,good luck i hope this help,s.

Answer 8

Change the spark plugs, drain out the old gas and oil, put fresh gas and oil in and charge battery or get a new one.. I would not drive it until you put new tires on. 6 years old tires sitting in elements means they are probably cracked and brittle.
I think it wont start because moisture has gotten into your distributor cap, moisture is in old gas and plugs wont arc.

Answer 9

first i put in a new Bartie,then see if it turn over, sitting that long , mean the gas has gone bad, so i pull the tank an wash it our, change the fitter,

Answer 10

musiclick has it right