Hello all,

On November 27, 2021 I had my 1990 FC engine rebuilt due to the fact that my exhaust gases were escaping through my coolant overflow reservoir . The mechanic who did the rebuild recommended that the car be started at least once every two weeks in order to keep the freshly rebuilt engine up to spec. Because I had to leave town to return to school shortly after, I asked my folks if they were up to starting up the car every once in a while to help me out. It did get done for a while. The car was started and driven but my parents complained that it frequently died on them while idling. I called the mechanic and was assured that it’s because some seals have to set in fully, and once 400 miles are reached on the rebuild it will run perfectly. Well due to some negligence on both my part and my parents part, the car has not been started in something like a year. I need to get the car out of my hands now and at least get it running so that it can be sold. There are something like 100 miles on the car since the rebuild. What should I do before attempting to start the engine?

Any help is appreciated,

Thank you all.

 

I’d pull the leading plugs, and throw a little bit or marvel mystery oil in each spark plug hole. Put the plugs back in, crank the engine by hand and ensure you feel even compression pulses. This is just to loosen up the seals and help build compression. Then start it up. You may need new plugs since the marvel mystery oil will foul them. But you should probably have a spare set of plugs on hand anyways in case they are getting flooded with fuel.

honestly I don’t think you’re going to have an issue getting it started again. I’ve started engines which have sat for 10 years and I did the above and it worked. Sitting for 2 years isn’t that long.

I just built a Subaru sti engine and I read through a builder’s break in procedures was to really emphasize on driving the car and keeping it in gear under decel so vacuum will help pull the rings to the cylinder walls. I would think the same advice applies to rotaries.

 

charge the battery and start it. its just a car

 

What I always do before starting any engine that has been in storage for more than six months is to disconnect the fuel pump fuse and crank for ten seconds three times. That'll build up oil pressure and circulate oil. Obviously, changing the oil and filter is also a given.