starting an engine that has sat 4 years...

[sac02]

Ok folks, we have a '73 240z (w/ 71/72 SU carbs) that has been sitting for about four years or so. It was started once about a year ago. We are trying to get her back to running (racing!) condition. And keep in mind that our car budget is shared with our beer budget - so everything must be done as economically as possible! So far we have:

1)rebuilt carbs (but not tuned them, obviously)

2)cleaned out gas tank to the best of our ability

3)cleaned out gas lines w/ compressed air.

4)replaced air and fuel filters.

5)new spark plugs, wires seem ok

6)changed oil and filter

7)broke and fixed fuel pump

8)new battery

9)currently trying to connect all vacuum hoses - read our other post and help us w/ this one: http://www.240z.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3257

What else should we do so we don't destroy the engine? Which of these things should we absolutely do before starting (we're very impatient) and what should we do after running it for the first time? We're thinking:

1)adjust valves?

2)adjust timing? - can't do this until car is running right? (The timing on my car is non-adjustable so I don't even own a timing light)

3)tune carbs

4)drain and refill coolant?

5)someone suggested squirting a small amount of oil into each cylinder through the spark plug holes to lube cylinder after sitting so long - good idea or not?

6)can we turn the engine over by hand a few times to make sure everything's moving alright inside?

7)what else do you do when starting an engine for the first time that might apply here?

Thanks for all the help,

Robb and Mac

[halz]

Sounds like you've done most things I would do. I suggest turning it over by hand to mke sure nothing is sticking. Next disconnect the main distributor lead and crank the engine on the starter. This will allow oil to be pumped through the galleries without the engine bursting into life. When satisfied that the oils-a-movin, reconnect the distributor, set the choke and give it a whirl!

[jcdozier]

DEFINITELY turn the engine over by hand a few times to be sure everything is freed up. I think putting some Marvel Mystery Oil (you can get it at the local parts store) in each cylinder and then turning the engine over by hand is a good thing. Did that to my '71 after it had been sitting for about a year. Don't use too much - about a teaspoon full for each cylinder is enuf - it will burn off quickly, so don't worry about the blue smoke for the first couple of minutes.:classic:

[Mr Camouflage]

Yeah once you get the engine running there's other stuff to worry about if the car hasn't moved for 4 years. Most importantly stoping! You'll wanna check your brakes are working and the pistons havent jammed up, and that there is no leaks either.

Mr C

[Greg]

You'll wanna make sure that your water is flowing too. Make sure that you get a temp reading, and that you are getting oil pressure when you do fire it up. The previous replies are a great list of to-do's. In my case I wanted to make sure that the engine would at least run, and old gas was my biggest problem. After I remedied that everything was cool.

Now that my car is running the valve job and timing is on the list for tonite. Then to re-adjusting the carbs, since that is the order to do things in.

Good luck, Greg