Starting after 5 years

[addicted56]

Hello,

I'm about to aquire a 1980 FJ and on Monday I'm going to attempt to start it. The whole car was basically rebuilt before it was abandoned 5 years ago. At my current location I don't have a lot of tools and have to improvise a bit. I just want to make sure I don't screw anything up and am looking for easy ways to get the things started.

#1: I checked the oil. Appears clean and filled

#1A: Ohh I rotated the crankshaft completely around a few times and it spins freely. So rings/valves do not appear to be stuck.

#2: I had to fill up the radiator a bit as it was about 1/4 gallon low. I will continue to fill once I get it running to make sure it is topped off.

#3: I checked clutch and brake fluid as well and am making sure the car is in Neutral

#4: Wiring looks like it just came off of the factory showroom.

#5: Amazingly after 5 years the battery still has a charge. How much of one I don't know but the lights turn on and seem somewhat bright during the day time hours. I'm going to pull another rig with jumper cables up to it and let it charge for about 10 minutes and then keep them on while we try to start it.

#6: I could drain the carb but I bet after this long it is dry in there anyway.

#7: Unclamping the fuel hose just at the frame in the engine comparment and will run to a water bottle with a hole cut out just big enough to slip the hose thru the cap so it is a tight seal. I will have a fire extinguisher on hand. (I do not have the ability at this location to drain the fuel tank)...judging by the tank undernieth the hoses come out the top so it should not drain anywhere.

#8: Pour a tad bit of gasoline down the carb (to help prime it a bit as I know there is no fuel in the lines by this time.

#9: Keep starter fluid on hand and crank away. No more than 10 seconds at a time. Adding starter fluid after each crank. Is it recommended to spray a little inbetween while cranking?

I'm optomistic that as long as the fuel pump pulls up the fuel it should start with 5 or 6 trys.

Thoughts...thank you.

 

[BDSeff1fitty]

i would change the oil even if it looks clean. 5 years is a long time. also drain your gas tank and put new gas in it, will help it start up quicker and run better.

 

[Michael Hanson]

New gas,put a little oil in each spark plug hole.Clean plugs,new fuel filter.Be prepared for most seals and rubber to need replacement. good luck MIke

 

[addicted56]

New gas,put a little oil in each spark plug hole.Clean plugs,new fuel filter.Be prepared for most seals and rubber to need replacement. good luck MIke

How much is a little oil?

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! My thought:

1. replace oil and filter. Do again after a couple of hours of running time.

1A. Pull plugs, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of oil in each cylinder. Spin up with battery power a couple dozen revs to get oil coated on everything. Replace plugs, preferably with new.

7. Drop that fuel line into any fuel can. Does not need to be sealed, as mechanical fuel pump will create a vacuum to lift fuel out, not push it back. Plug other side of fuel line from tank.

8. Don't need to do this if you have starter fluid. Instructions should be on can. DO NOT keep your hands or face close to carb while doing this. The backflash can be very dangerous.

10. As long as the ignition system was OK before the rig was parked, it should fire right up. Ether burns better than gasoline. I did this very thing on a 350 Chevy that had been hanging on an engine stand for 5 years. If fired up and ran on the first try. I nearly messed my pants!! Only difference is that I had a fuel tank full of fresh gas leftover from the previous engine. Good Luck!!! John