I Picked up an 85 recently, But the guy I bought it from said it hasn't run in about 5 years, I'm wondering, should I Pull the engine apart before starting it? I Don't want to score the rotor housings if a apex seal has gone bad.

 

welcome to the board.

just the check the engine first. if it was running before it sat and if it hasn't been subject to thing like water or foreign bodies going down the chokes, then all should be well. you just put some oil down the chokes, turn it by hand through a few total revolutions. you should hear a total of 6 whooshing/spitting sounds (3 from each rotor) per revolution. do that and you should be ready to try to fire it.

of course, before you actually start driving it you'd be best served completely tuning it up. check for rotted rubber parts, bushings yes, but i'm more referring to fuel, vacuum and brake lines though.

 

Chances are it was parked for a reason. I'd pull the plugs and spray a little 2 stroke oil in each chamber before cranking it over. Good luck.

 

Also check the condition of your s/plugs and make sure your oil and water/coolant levels are ok befort starting.

 

I have been going through this same thing I just bought a 85 GSL that's been sitting since 2002,check over the wiring while you're there the wiring on mine has been chewed by squirrels

 

Okay I figured I would have to put some oil in it.
I think it was parked because it was In a wreck.
Thank you for all the Replies, eased my mind a bit. Now I'm not losing sleep worrying about screwing up a rotor housing.

 

If it makes you feel better, I just brought one back to life that sat for 20 years. I did have to replace everything around the keg, but the internals were fine after a bit of oil and rotating by hand.

Marvel mystery oil and spin it by hand with the top 2 plugs out. 6 puffs.

Fresh gas, and a coolant flush cant hurt.