My 1970 Maverick has been stored for 3 years (inside my garage), and I want to finally start my long awaited re-build project. My question: what steps should I take, or what should I watch out for, in order to start up the engine again? I'm going to remove the plugs, spray some oil into the cylinders, then hand crank the engine a few times. What am I missing? Should I be concerned about old gas, filters, or coolant? Once I get the engine fired up, I'll keep posting new threads for each re-build adventure (cause I'm gonna need help)! Thanks, Brad (Bird) Leonard
3 years is little to nothing. I have started cars that have sat for 10+ on the old gas. I would at a minimum pour fresh gas into the tank as much as possible if you wish to avoid draining it. Crank it over with the coil wire off and verify oil pressure/fuel. Then start it.
I would all that you mentioned and change the oil as it becomes acidic as it breaks down. Also I would drain the tank and maybe clean the carb if you left it sitting with gas in it.
Oil doesn't break down and get acidic just by setting, takes contamination from usage... Assuming it was changed prior to storage I'd run it a few times then change oil before I put it into regular use... If the oil had higher miles I'd change it shortly... Other items are check and change/replace as necessary, inspect the braking system carefully...
I agree with most above, but i would def drain the old gas an clean the carb,an change the oil or change it soon after running. Also cranking it over like above id do also on top of what ur orginal plans where. Maybe have some starter fluild handy wouldn hurt either.
