stan2k

Sorry, I'm not the most technical...I had my car in storage for about 3 years now (long story...) is there anything I should prep before I try to start her up again?
We did an oil change and fresh tank of gas right before we put her away. The battery is also currently being recharged. I'm just worried that whatever lube and oil on all the mechanical parts are pretty much dry by now (?) What should I be looking for, and more importantly, what should I not do?

Himura357

I'm not the most mechanical either, but I know that gas and oil does deteriorate inside a car even if not being used. Fuel stabilizer only typically keeps fuel fresh for 1 year, and oil when sitting on metal can create acids. I'm guessing an oil change and fuel change would be a good idea. You would have to drain the gas tank with a pump. Sounds like a pain, I know.

With new oil and gas, I would just start it up. Should be fine. Maybe a member with more experience can chime in.

iDomN8U

Drop the oil and put some fresh oil in there.

I'm not sure on the gas, but I wouldn't drive it hard if you kept it in. Treat it like there's 87 octane.

once you put in the oil, get a new battery (or make sure the old one is 100%)

Pull the fuel pump fuse(under the driverside dash)

turn over the car for about 10-12 seconds (it will be slow, that's good)

Charge the battery again

Put the fuel pump fuse back in

Turn on car normally.

Let it idle for 2-3 minutes.


BEFORE YOU DO ANY OF THIS, go over the car thoroughly and look for things that might be damaged by rodents. Make sure the radiator coolant is full!

iDomN8U

Replace brake fluid asap

Diff and tranny fluid

Clutch flush as well

iDomN8U

Also if you put ethanol based fuel, you probably have a crap load of water in the fuel tank.

Drive it until you've removed about 1/3 of the tank, and fill it up with 94 octane (not 91)

drive it again until you've hit the 1/2 mark and fill it up with 94 octane again.

drive it until you've finish the fuel, 91 Shell.

Use 91 Shell for a while (5-6 fill ups) before considering anything else.

iDomN8U

Above all, DO NOT HIT VTEC until you have a full tank of fresh fuel

kryptonite

To avoid a lot of this, siphon out the gas from your tank. You will have some left in your fuel lines so take it easy for the first few kms but that's the best way to get rid of bad gas.

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpHqraOdMDs[/media]

myflys2k

Just prime the fuel pump a few times. That will mix in the old fuel in the lines with the new fuel in the tank.

iDomN8U

- Edit: Nevermind