Questions and Answers
Sitting For Years
Q. I have a 1977 Ford Maverick; 6 cyl, 200 cubic in, manual shift (3 speed) on the column. For the last several years I haven't driven it and it has been sitting mostly in my shop. The last time I drove it the car wouldn't crank. I think it needs a new starter.
I now want to work on it and get it back to driving shape but since it has been sitting so long I was wondering what things I should inspect or replace that could malfunction or be rusted due to inactivity. I know, of course, the battery will need replacing and possibly the spark plugs.
One other thing I need to mention is the fact that for a period of time the car was outside in the weather and one day I noticed the gas cap had been stolen. What do I need to do about trash or moisture getting into the gas tank? I'm not sure if there is any gas in it. Could it all be evaporated?
I'm not sure if there is a step-by-step procedure when one undertakes this sort of thing but I would appreciate any help you could give.
Thanks.
A. The first thing to do before you do anything else is to see if the engine will still turn. You can put a socket and long breaker bar on the crankshaft nut and try to turn the engine. If it turns, then you can reasonably expect the engine to start. If it doesn't turn, then pull the spark plugs out and spray a generous amount of CRC 5-56 or WD-40 into the cylinders and let it sit over night. Then try turning it again. If it still doesn't turn, then the engine is probably locked up. You can try putting in a new battery and crank it over, that may break it loose.
If it still doesn't turn over then it's probably a lost cause.
Let's assume the engine turns over. The best way to go about his would be to start with all the basics and work your way up. First thing would be to change all the fluids, oil and filter, anti-freeze and transmission fluid. Since the gas cap was off for an extended period of time, I would take the gas tank out and have it cleaned and checked for leaks. At the very least all the gas will have evaporated out and is probably rusted on ther inside.
Next thing to do would be to pull all the squirt a little oil in the cylinders and turn the engine over by hand several times to coat the cylinder wall. Then put in new spark plugs, wires, rotor and cap.
Next thing to do would be to fill the carburetor with gas. There is a vent tube where you can pour gas into the float bowl. Let it sit for a little while so the carburetor gaskets get wet and swell back up.
Okay, we have a new battery, fresh oil, we have new plugs and some gas in the carburetors. Let's see if it will start. Disconnect the coil wire and ground the end. Now crank the engine over for about 30 seconds. This will build up oil pressure and get the fuel system primed. Hook up the coil wire and see if she fires up.
It probably will and after a few minutes everything under the hood will start to smoke. Let it run for about ten minutes and then shut it off. You can now take a look and see where you have to go from here. You'll probably need to replace some gaskets and hose at the very least.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
