What 2 do after 4 years of storage

[luxter]

Gents,

Friend of mine inherited a 1975 Anniversary Edition silver 911. It has been stored in his garage for last four years of so without seeing daylight. I can only imagine that tires got flat spots, gas in tank must look like sauerkraut and oil to match it in its reservoir. He claims that there is a leak of some sort (I didn’t get to see the car yet) on the driver side of the car, possibly power steering, judging by his description and color.

What would you recommend to do before bringing this silver beauty back to life. I imagine oil change would be in order followed by fuel tank flush, brakes flush.

All constructive suggestions are welcome. Any similar past experience anyone?

Many thanks in advance,

Luxter

[serpico]

I'm going through the same thing right now but haven't had time to do any work yet.

[luxter]

Hi Jon,

The good thing is that his nighbour has a four post car lift in his garage, so any under the car work could be a lot easier.

I wass thinking:

Drain fuel tank and refill with fresh fuel,

Drain oil + new oil filter and oil

Obviously check for that leak, but bring the car back to life first so we could drive it to a decent shop in case things aren't rosy.

Any thoughts?

[serpico]

Those were some suggestions that other members posted to me when I asked. If you read my posts surely you will find the one that has all the suggestions.

Other items were brakes, suspension, battery, any fluids as well. My brother will be helping me since he has experience and education in this field. But timing hasn't worked out for him to come by and winter is pretty bad even here in Vancouver. It's been cold to work in the garage and of course life priorities get in the way especially being married and having a new home!

[luxter]

Thank you Jon.

I found a lot of good info on Pelican forum.

Not as easy as it sounds.

Cheers,

Luxter

[serpico]

I agree, it will be some work for sure. Pelican forums are very good too. But when I'm done with this task I won't let it happen again and drive the car at least once a week like on Sundays!

[kbrandsma]

I have heard that cranking the engine over without starting to get oil in piston, valves and other key areas. I've also heard of pushing a car in reverse but only after garaged over the winter. Four years may require additional considerations.

Edited January 31, 2011 by kbrandsma

[70Sixter]

Before starting (assuming you have not) put car in 4th gear and move it gently fore and aft. If fan belt is turning the pistons and crank are not frozen. I'd quirt some oil or maybe even WD-40 into each cylinder to provide initial start up lube for the rings. I'd replace the belt right afterward.

Brakes might also be frozen, so roll and check to see they release from the rotor. They should also be flushed with fresh fluid and bled to remove any air in the system.

[berny]

Hi the leak is not power steering fluid! no power steering on 911 until 1989. Brakes will need strip down and rebuld. I have 2 early cars enjoy. Berny.

[serpico]

So true! You will grow your muscles driving this car! Mine is the same thing.

[porscheTechnik1]

I think oil change followed by fuel tank flush and brake flush should do it.

Edited February 10, 2011 by Loren
Removed commercial link - they are not allowed here

[DavidSchmunk]

I'm going through the same thing right now.

What did you end up doing? How did it turn out?

[jakehenes]

i am currently working on a friends 88 and i have same issues - 4 year old fuel, oil etc. dead battery.

i own a shop and am a technican as well. so here is the rundown. disable fuel pump - pull fuse or relay, crank over several times 30 second intervals. next enable fuel pump, crank until starting. start car let run about a minute, shut it off for a few hours let oil soak into critical areas. now drail fuel, as much as possible!. change fuel filter and refill fuel. re-start hopefully any bad gas will pass injectors. now it is hopefully not stuck rings or anything of that nature, also keep eye on engine temp. enjoy.....

[serpico]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[c337cc]

Remove the fuel tank sending unit ,use a bore scope or a inspection mirrior & flash light to check the upper half of the tank for rust. This is the biggest problem I see bringing the hanger queens back to live. The tank has to come out most of the time & be cleaned & sealed & many cases opened up,blasted & welded back together. There are reproduction fuel tanks available now for a reasonable price now,so if they are badly rusted,just replace it.

Howard

[sithot]

Great advice from everyone.

Howard is 100% correct. Taking the tank out is not that daunting a task. At a minimum if it's not rusted it will need a vigorous flush.

You WILL also need to change the fuel filter. Don't even think about cutting that corner.

Good luck!