rockatansky

...apart of crossing fingers.

The previous owner has had the car stopped for three years (gear shift problem).

I have fixed the gear shift and also did some other tasks; clutch and brake fluids, trans oil, gasoline filter, air filter, coolant, new expansion tank, among other things...

Would like to know if you have any advice before trying to start a car after so much time. I have doubts for example with the gasoline... what is the best way to proceed if there is some rest still in the tank?.

Any other recommendation?. Thanks.

James Bailey

You can pour in another gallon and drain the tank again....then fill with several gallons of new fuel. You might consider pulling the spark plugs and adding a small amount of lubricant to each cylinder. Then with the park plugs out (fuel pump relay pulled) crank the engine a bit to make oil pressure. Then install plugs and try to start it......

AO

It's going to sound like a mack truck for about 20 minutes while the lifters pump up with oil. Let it get warm and don't rev it too high. It should smooth out and quiet down after a while.

Dave928S

+1 on what the others have said.

When it does start, watch the oil pressure gauge and make sure it gets to pressure quickly, and get ready for a lot of smoke from oil on parts as they heat up, and a lot from the exhaust for a short time. Have someone else watch the engine bay for anything unusual while you're starting, and have them ready with a fire extinguisher just in case. Double check all your fuel lines and connections, and your fluid levels, before starting.

Hilton

+1 on making oil pressure.

I go a step further, and make sure oil pressure builds with just the starter motor turning the engine. i.e. pull the fuel pump fuse and the ignition relay. Once you see the oil pressure needle go past about 1 bar, then stop cranking, as the bearings etc. are all oiled.

Then reinsert the fuel pump fuse and jumper the fuel pump relay, and with the fuel system pressurised, have a final check for fuel leaks at all junctions and hoses including the pump in the rear.

Then, insert the fuel and ignition relays, and vrooooom. Watch for 5 bar oil pressure, and wait while it warms up and the lifters pump up.

Dave928S

^^^^^

I've also done what Hilton is suggesting ... cranking until I see oil pressure rise on the gauge (with plugs out to start with to make cranking easier). Absolutely vital that there is nothing that is running dry in your motor when it fires up.

Make sure your battery is fully charged before starting as you're going to be doing a lot of cranking

jpitman2

Jumpering the fuel pump and letting it run for a bit will reduce the cranking needed to get it to fire in my experience. Might be useful to know the year and injection type when you return....
jp 83 Euro S AT 53k

Dave928S

jp ... it's an 80 Euro ... so it should be CIS.

James Bailey

Waking up a hibernating CIS car is often a challenge....

jpitman2

If its CIS, they definitely DO NOT like to be left unrun for long periods. I would suggest new gas in the tank, with something like berrymans oil added, jumper the pump relay, and allow fuel to circulate for as long as you can.....1/2 hour at least. This will ensure the lines are all full and up to pressure. Pull and replace/clean plugs. Other stuff as above to ensure oil is in the right places. If it fails to go , come back with symptoms.
jp

rockatansky

...I thought it was just turning the key

Ok, I will be doing all you are suggesting, pulling the fuel pump and the ignition relay and watch for oil pressure, pre-charging the battery to full, sending some gas in and then all out before refilling, have an extinguisher at hand, check fluids and leaks, etc...

You are right, its a k-jetronic, with Continuous Injection System, I will let you know when the bear leaves the cave.

---
'80 928 Euro - 5Sp - K-jet - silver

Dave928S

I'll pour myself a double Bourbon and celebrate with you when its going ....

Mark SF

I'd suggest changing the engine oil & filter before you start, in addition to what the other posters suggested.

rockatansky

Thanks Mark, I already got the best oil I could find and an original oil filter right from Porsche.

Dave, if everything goes well I'll have this double bourbon with you (...I promise I will park the car first). Let me thank you for all your help this weeks, and let me tell you the great country you live in. I haven't been in Tasmania but I cross Australia from side to side, some time ago.

mrdieseldude

Make sure to post your findings. I tried to re-kindle the spark from a sleeping shark once only to find a bad enough knock to put her up for sale... Maybe I should have let her run a bit longer???? I just couldn't stand to listen to that sound.

Good luck!