Automotive Forums

Ok, so my girlfriends grandmother parked a 70's Ford maverick with a 302 engine (from what they tell me) several years ago and hasnt started it since then, it was running fine when it was parked, the only problem being that the brakes would randomly go out and nobody could find out why, so i need some tips on what to do before i put the key in and try to get it running?? I know im going to have to replace at least the battery ,oil and engine coolant but what else would you guys reccomend before turning the key?  

Drain all fluids, gas, oil, change filter.Chances are real high that there will be varnish, gum and deposits of all sorts through out the fuel system. Most times, you will have to remove the fuel tank to drain it, and clean it while you have it off. I would disconnect the fuel line from the carb. and attempt to blow compressed air through it from the tank to clear dirt. Replace the fuel pump. The carb probably will probably respond to a topping of of the fuel bowl with a cleaner such as gumout or similar product. Reconnect all lines, re-install tank and add new fuel with a gas cleaner at recommended strength. Pull spark plugs, and put in an once or two of thin oil in each cylinder(Marvel Mysterey Oil), and let set for a day or so, Attempt to turn engine over by hand from crank shaft damper pulley. You will blow oil throughout cylinder an lube area at the rings which are likley to be gummed up. Once engine is rotated a few cycles, let stand another day and rotate a few more cycles. Add new plugs and new wires, cap and rotor,new points and condenser. Now start it. It will take many attempts because of the cleaner in the carb may even flood but thats Ok for now, let set till it drys and try agsin or remove and dry all plugs and try to start again.  

Unless you want a project car, ebay it 'as is'. If you want this as a project car, then get the title in your name, that is, buy it. You might be surprised how much you can get for this classic car.  

i personally wouldnt go through all the trouble of dropping the tank and all that crap, i would first check to see if it was stuck over by grabbing the harmonic balancer and trying to turn it, then check the oil, if its got oil, give it a little pirme, see if it fires. if it does, then i would change coolant and clean the entire fuel system, ALSO!! not a bad idea to prime the oil system and make sure you have oil pressure!!!  

Yes we all have our way of starting a motor for the first time after sitting there for a couple of years & there all right. Pull spark plugs oil the cylinders turn over by hand. after the oil change I would turn the motor over with out the spark plugs being installed this way as was mentioned the oil system will have time to prime its self & bring the oil pressure up, Also the oil that was put in the cylinders will have a chance to work into the piston rings & cylinder walls all the extra oil if any will be pushed out threw the spark plug holes. this way your sure that your not going to have a dry start up. Good oiled engine should start with out to much trouble, All I have read is 100% right on.