engine start after 25 years

pb_101 · Post by **pb_101** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 4:57 pm

I bought a 68 Targa that hasn't been delivered yet!! It is still sitting in a garage... Acording to its previous owner it has been laying in a garage unatended for 25 years!!
Should I try to start the engine or take it appart ?
Can I probe the engine with a small camera ? has anyone done it ?
thanks for your feedback,
best regards
pb

Nige · Post by **Nige** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 5:13 pm

I'd crank it by hand first to check it isn't actually seized in anyway. Fit new plugs, new fuel and battery check oil level and just see if it starts, have a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

Maybe put some engine oil in through the spark plug holes too.

Also take a vid of too so you can post it here.

butzsi · Post by **butzsi** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 6:47 pm

I would just add to that - drain the engine to see what bits/swarf are on the drain plug and the magnet on the sump plate and if not looking too bad then refill with fresh oil and start up.

Chris

Ian Gunney · Post by **Ian Gunney** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 7:08 pm

The old man's 356 hadn't been started for a similar length of time - replaced some of the fuel lines and the oil - the thing started after a couple of turns and then sat there idling (this luck would never of course happen to me!)

Fingers crossed for you.

bjmullan · Post by **bjmullan** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 7:24 pm

I would certainly do an oil change and as well as turning it by hand after than I would remove the spark plugs and turn it on the starter.

Good luck and just hope that you are as lucky as Woody Allen was in Sleeper

myatt1972 · Post by **myatt1972** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 7:27 pm

All the advice above worked for me and expect some smoke.

DIRKBROWNFINGER · Post by **DIRKBROWNFINGER** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 7:40 pm

All what they said. In addition I removed the upper rockers and got my oil can and squirted the rockers and springs etc, and also down the plug holes, but you will need a long nozzle for that. A rebuild will be expensive, so do what makes you comfortable before firing it up!

pb_101 · Post by **pb_101** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 2:12 pm

Hello everybody, thanks for advice and encouragement. I will to try to start it. I need to patient a couple of weeks before my car is delivered in a tray to my garage. I will let you know of the outcome and I keep my fingers crossed. Best regards, PB_101.

mycar · Post by **mycar** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 2:17 pm

Good luck, if you can video the event we`d love to watch it.

Well I would.

Mike.

Strictly · Post by **Strictly** » Fri May 20, 2011 11:31 pm

You've probally got it started by now...

But in case you havent, I once took me 5 hours of head scratching, to get a 20 year old engine started. It had fuel, and spark, but refused to start, ignition timing was spot on, valves were spot on...couldn't for the life of me find a problem...

In the end I poured some oil down the carburetor! And it started up, just need some compression to fire! Ran sweet as a nut for many a year afterwards.

Definalty take the spark plugs out, turn it over by hand, some wd40 down the barrels wont hurt to get things lubed, you'll be changing the oil anyway. Then check ignition timing, spark, fuel and off you go. Your carbs will probally want a good blowout with an air line!

L

pb_101 · Post by **pb_101** » Sun Jul 27, 2014 12:00 pm

Hello everybody, I was seduced to pull it apart and I still in the process. I was not aware that it would have been so long. I have the car painted now and I am working on the interior. the engine is out of the car but still on waiting. When finally will run it I will do a video and bring to your attention. All the best and thanks for keeping your fingers crossed on my project.

DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

engine start after 25 years

engine start after 25 years

Re: engine start after 25 years