dead for 4-5 years, what should i do before turning the key?

botlecap · Post by **botlecap** » 09 Apr 2004, 23:26

the car is a 1990 780 (or 740?) turbo with 67k on it. it hasn't been turned over in 4 or 5 years though. what do i have to do to it to get it back in shape? i know i have to change all the fluids and the battery and such, but are there any gaskets or o-rings or seals or such that need to be changed?

also does anything need to be done to the turbo and how would i clean out the gas tank?

a basic list of work that needs to be done to it would be very very very helpful

thanks in advance everyone

-mike

Volvord · Post by **Volvord** » 10 Apr 2004, 11:51

You are correct, first thing to do is change all the fluids, don't forget the gas is the tank, it can be a major source of troubles if it is not changed. Also change all the filters, oil and fuel. Before starting the engine disconnect the coil (just unplug one of the low tension leads to the coil) and then crank the engine over until the oil pressure light goes out. This makes sure that oil has been distributed thought the system so when the engine starts the oil will be there. A car sitting that long could produce some leaks due to dried out gaskets but I would not worry about this until a leak develops. With the newer gasket materials everything may be fine

Happy motoring

Volvord · Post by **Volvord** » 10 Apr 2004, 11:54

You are correct, first thing to do is change all the fluids, don't forget the gas is the tank, it can be a major source of troubles if it is not changed. Also change all the filters, oil and fuel. Before starting the engine disconnect the coil (just unplug one of the low tension leads to the coil) remove the spark plugs a squirt a little oil into each cylinder, then crank the engine over until the oil pressure light goes out. This makes sure that oil has been distributed thought the system so when the engine starts the oil will be there. Then replace the spark plugs, might as well put new ones in at this point. A car sitting that long could produce some leaks due to dried out gaskets but I would not worry about this until a leak develops. With the newer gasket materials everything may be fine

Happy motoring

Ar · Post by Ar » 01 Jun 2004, 14:10

The car MAY have some serious problems from sitting so long- I'd expect MOUSE DAMAGE! THey will have made nests in the intake, air cleaner box, and quite possibly under the front strut towers. Look for evidence of nests, and inspect ALL the rubber and plastic parts thoroughly. There could be chewed wire harness and the air cleaner is likely to be full of refuse, maybe even dead animals (yuck).
Inspect all this stuff, and plan on replacing the timing belt, front oil seals, belts and radiator hoses. The air filter, oil filter along with an oil change, and fresh gas, including a good fuel system cleaner like Techron, plus some Dry Gas to get rid of moisture in the system.
I'd expect corroded fuses, and possibly more mouse damage or nests in the bumpers, air box, maybe even inside the tail pipe.
Plan on replacing the tires- even if the tread is mint, they can't be safe at this age. May not even hold air, or the rims could have a lot of rust where they were in contact with the ground, if it was damp. The mice and/or corrosion could have also had a SERIOUS effect on the brakes- the rubber lines may be chewed, the hardware is certainly going to be rusty, and seals are probably shrunken and could leak. Replace the brake fluid at the very least.
Good luck