advice on getting car to start again...

[mikeltang]

ok so i have a 1971 240z in my possession it was manufactured 9/70 from the tag on the door. my uncle modded it for racing but died in a car accident (nonracing related) before he finished it. my other uncle took the car and kept it in his garage for about 10-11 years and just let it sit, didnt drain the fluids or anything. my question is: what should i do to get it running again? im not familiar with the car and have no idea where to start. i would think replacing all the fluids, seals, and hoses would b a good start but im completely clueless. thanks for any advice you guys can give me. - mike

[Virto]

You'll have to drain everything, and probably have to boil or replace your gas tank and radiator, as they've both probably rusted way inside.

Good chance you may have to replace all the brake lines, fuel filter, seals, gaskets and such. The carbs will undoubtedly need some cleanup and adjustment...Z Therepy can help you with that, either buy the do it yourself video or have them reconditioned.

Also, take a peek under the car or under the carpet and see if the floor pans have rusted out. If they have rusted badly, the car might not be safe to sit in and you'll have to deal with that as well.

You'll need a battery, new tires, and the lot with this one, but if she's in solid shape body and frame wise, it's another Z that's worth the time, effort and cash.

Love to see some pics, and get an occassional update. I'm sure some others will post after me and offer more in-depth details.

Welcome aboard.

[=Enigma=]

I believe he said it was stored in the garage for 10 years. Is there any reason why all of this would deteriorate under those conditions?

[peng155]

I believe he said it was stored in the garage for 10 years. Is there any reason why all of this would deteriorate under those conditions?

I was thinking the samething..... Anyways Mike, have a look at this thread http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20723

I think you'll find a lot of the answers to your questions there....

[beandip]

I believe he said it was stored in the garage for 10 years. Is there any reason why all of this would deteriorate under those conditions?

Most likey the brake fluid has jelled and the wheel cylinders have rusted and need replacing. The rubber brake lines should be looked at and flexed to see if there are any signs of cracking , at the vary least. I would replace them . The fuel tank is likely to have varnish and crud at the least, and likely to have rust . Even in California and in a garage. I doubt the floors and such would have suffered much from the length of storage in the cal climate. I agree all the fluids need to be drained and replaced . Hoses replaced on the engine and heater. As for the engine , If it was mine I would pull the spark plugs and oil the cylinders with about two tablespoons full of oil in each plug hole . Remove the valve cover and pour oil over the valve train. DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OVER WITH THE STARTER. leave the plugs out and use a socket and wrench to turn the engine over several times watching the valves to see if any are sticking and if the engine is frozen in place. If no valves are stuck or sticking and the engine will turn over by hand freely , install a fresh battery and the plugs . If the fuel supply is clean and the fuel lines under the SUs are good , with the air cleaner on I use starter fluid in the intake and start the engine. Once the engine starts keep the RPM up to from 1500 to 2000 , do not allow to idle , you want the oil to lube everything . Watch the temp and look for any leaks . It is important to keep a watch on the carb overflows to be sure the float shut off valves are not stuck open , this comes under the watch for leaks , part. All the best to you and enjoy the ride. Gary:)

[beandip]

I was thinking the samething..... Anyways Mike, have a look at this thread http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20723

I think you'll find a lot of the answers to your questions there....

When one of these engines is shut down there is always two valves open to the outside air. This allows some moisture to enter the cylinders and can rust things. The valve stems can and will also rust where outside air contact them in a open position . If they stick and the engine is turned over valve damage and or damage to he pistons can result. A car that has sat for 10 yrs needs the entire braking system evaluated for safety . At the vary least the brake fluid bled. If this was in a climate other than cal where it is relatively dry then what vrito stated would likely be needed . And it may in this case , time will tell.

[a7dz]

Time is still time and yes even in storage they continue to deteriorate under those conditions. Left mine stored in the garage for several years and all the hoses are bad. I did like Beandip suggested to you and my engine came around over alittle time and effort. Biggest thing is don't be in a hurry to get the engine turned over make sure that all parts are moving freely.

[mikeltang]

thanks for the tips guys, unfortunately, my uncle still wont let me work on it but im gonna try to replace some of the hoses and stuff anyways. he doesnt even care about the car...im pretty sure he wont notice and i will update with any progress i make i think it will be awhile b4 i get her running again...do u kno of any sites that sells replacement parts for the z? i only know of a few sites for BMW parts but thats no help to me here.