Hey Everyone,

I just got my first FD and am very excited. I've been reading threads nonstop for a few weeks and am just scratching the surface. I've done several searches and didn't see what I was looking for so, anyways, here is the question.

The car had been sitting in the guy's garage for about a year so I haven't started her up yet. I am going to change all the fluids, the battery, and put new gas in the car before I even think about starting it. I am wondering what else I should take a look at before starting the car? Also, will the apex seals go bad if the car just sits there? Thanks for your help. Any advice or links to previous threads will be appreciated.

Victor

 

I hope you didn't have your parkig brake activated for the past year, it probably mended itself to the rotors. Other than that, I have never let my car sit for such a long period, so I am unsure.

 

Make sure the tires are still OK. When I store mine over the winter I put it up on jack stands so the tires don't get flat spots. You might want to throw in some new plugs too.

 

I asked the guy I bought the car from and the parking break should be fine. I will check the tires and get new spark plugs. Thanks. Does anyone know if the apex seals will go bad from the car just sitting there? Thanks.

Victor

 

Victor,

I know everyone will think I'm crazy. But, I let my 93 pride and joy sit for 4 years while I did a tour in Germany. Didn't have any major problems other than having to replace the battery and tires. I had it towed to a repair shop and let them start it. They replaced the plugs, changed the oil and drained the gas out of it before starting. It ran fine after I picked it up and has been fine since. Would I recommend it? Of course not. But, I didn't have any major problems from long term storage. I'd also like to point out I have only 23K miles on the car and isn't my daily driver...only on weekends when the sun is shining...

Dave

 

Dave,

I hope that's the case with my car too. I have scheduled an appt with my local shop. Thanks.

 

Pull the fuel pump fuse out from the box under the dash on the drivers side. Crank the car 10 times to get that new oil up into the engine and rotor seals.

Then put the fuse back in and start it up. If the AWS cranks the idle up the 3000 rpms, immediately burp the throttle and let her idle for a while. Watch for any leaks and unusual smoke. A little white puff for a the first few seconds is O.K.