Questions and Answers

Taking A Sable Out Of Storage Q. My car has been sitting for a full year and before that was only ran occasionally. I want to know what I should do to make sure I don't inadvertently tear it up before I try running it on the road. What should I check before I try starting it? Is there lubricants or something I should get? Any and all info. regarding this would help me tremendously.

If this helps my car is a 1989 Mercury Sable. I believe it's a 4.0, fuel injection, it's the LS series it has very high mileage though I'm not sure of exact numbers, and it does leak power steering fluid and before it sat for so long it would die when we turned the lights on toward dusk.

Thanks.

A. The biggest problem you might run into is the gas. It has probably gone bad in the time it's been sitting and you will need to do something to freshen it up. Depending on how much gas is in the tank, you can just add five gallons, ten would be better, to the tank and this should be enough to insure it will start.

Before you start the engine you should check the oil and make sure it is still full. In fact, check all the fluid levels, coolant, P/S, brake fluid etc, and top them off as needed. When you're ready to start the engine, disconnect and ground the coil wire and just crank it over for about 15 seconds to build up oil pressure and circulate oil through the engine.

After you crank the engine, look at the fuel lines and see if there are any leaks. The lines should still be in good shape after sitting, but it is a good idea to check anyway. A high pressure fuel leak is not a good thing.

If everything is full and looks good, then you can go ahead and start it. It should fire up and when it does just let it run for a while. Keep an eye on the engine temperature to make sure it doesn't over heat. You may get some smoke from the engine as the gunk that has accumulated burns off and there will probably be some strange smells. This should clear up as the engine runs.

Once you have done this, I would recommend replacing all the fluids and filters so you have fresh oil, transmission fluid and coolant. Have the mechanic look it over while it's on the lift for fluid leaks. I would also recommend replacing the thermostat, it's cheap and easy to do and might save you a headache in a few weeks. Top off the gas tank and add a couple of bottles of dry gas to remove any water that may have accumulated while it was sitting. Drive it until the tank is almost empty and refill it with some more dry gas.

After you get all this done drive the car for a while and make sure it runs and shifts okay. Make a note of any problems and have them checked. If you have any driveability problems hold off on them until you are halfway through your third fill up. They could be due to the old gas or gunk built up inside the engine.

Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA