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Resurrecting a tired kit car
My son was offered a Cobra kit car that's been sitting in a back yard for at least 5 years, possibly more. It was built, registered and running - then ended up sitting due to family issues.
Anyway, since the car hasn't been running in at least 5 years, what would you do to resurrect it? I was thinking we'd want to change the oil and filter, drain the gas, replace the fuel filter, replace the coolant, and do all basic maintenance before tring to start it. Assuming the engine isn't frozen, would you pull the plugs, put a little oil in each cylinder and let it sit before trying to start it? I'd be concerned about trying to start something that has been sitting so long without preparing it first. Any pointers to preparing a car that's been sitting? |
Pull the plugs, put some oil or Dexron II in and try turning it over by hand first. Don't put the plugs back in. Just try by hand to see if it is seized. For sure, drop the oil, filter, gas and coolant!
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Prime the oil system also while turning the engine over before starting the engine. The oil pump is driven by the distributor, I think it uses a 5/16 hex socket, turn it with a big drill and an extension, or you could also use a modified distributor with the teeth ground off, turn the pump slow at first, wait for oil pres, then turn the engine over (spark plugs out, W/a little oil in each cylinder). Makes a mess with oil shooting out of the plug holes, but starting a dry engine is the worst thing you can do to it.
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I've heard that the best thing to put in an engine that has been setting for awhile is Marvel Mystery oil. It should loosen up the rings and other parts if you squirt a bit into each spark plug hole and let it set awhile before starting.
Other than that, I think you are on the right track. You might also want to check the tranny and rear differential to see if they drew moisture during the time it was setting. Check the brakes to see that the pads haven't rusted to the rotors/drums and oil all the moving parts like the pedal pivot points, steering moving parts, grease the ball joints, etc..... Obviously, when you get it home you'll want to do all the other maintenance such as grease the front bearings, check the rear bearings, make sure the chrome exhaust bearings are tight, etc......:) |
If the engine has a carburetor, be prepared to have it cleaned and serviced for the engine to run right. In fact, the safest thing to do would be to have the carb rebuilt before you try to fire the engine. I don't know enough about fuel injection to advise for that system.
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I wouldn't even consider starting/driving that car until you have gone through everything thoroughly.
Trailer it home, get it up on jack stands and develop a checklist, go through each and every system in that car. Make sure it is roadworthy BEFORE taking it out. All it takes is one rusted bolt or one bad brake seal, a fuel line leaking etc. etc..... been there done that, WITH my son in the car, learned a scary lesson. After all, your son is driving it right? No shortcuts, just not worth it. If you need more info on how to approach it send me a PM, be glad to help. Mark |
All great advice, but don't pump the old gas through it. Disconnect the fuel pump first.
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Marvel mystery oil!
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Resurrecting a tired kit car
Same as tman8, and let it sit overnight.
"Uncle Joe" |
Chase the spiders out of it.
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5 Years!!
Find you a good engine hoist,
Pull the engine Take it apart, clean it up Check tolerances, and re assemble it with fresh gaskets Buy a new carb. Flush lines before you install the new fuel pump you will need. And that is just the engine. Do the same with brakes. Be sure to flush lines while you are rebuilding the calipers and replacing the master cyl.. This is a start but for the cost you stated why not do ir right..... Good Luck |
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