getting the car running - off the road

[Guest n1gzd]

My Buick has been off the road for 17 years and I don't know the history of the car.

It does look like it has had some engine work (head looks like it may have been done at some point).

I have to replace the intake manifold (due to very bad crack probalbly due to stuck heat box). I did find a good one.

Anyway, I am in the process of stripping everyting from the engine and overhauling the stuff that I remove. I will try and paint the engine and other stuff as well because it looks kind of green instead of turquoise. I am planning on replacing the wiring harness. I will disassemble the wheel/brake assemblies and grease/replace rotating parts, safety related stuff.

I will change all fluids (including all engine, transmission and rear end fluids), squirt some WD-40 in the cylinders, flush the coolant and check for leaks.

I will replace the tires with radials (probably diamond back classics), and powdercoat the wheels.

General safety check.

See my questions in previous post about torque tube.

Am I missing anything major that I should at least check before trying to start and drive this car.

I know that it cranks because I tried that before I bought the car.

I am sure that I will discover many bad things along the way and some day I will of course overhaul the engine.

My main goal initially is to try and get it running and assess the condition of the car (and hopefully drive it a bit this summer). So again, am I missing anything that I should do before I damage something by starting it before checking the condition of it.

Thanks,

Rebecca

[JohnD1956]

I think I would put some marvel mystery oil in the cylinders through the spark plug holes, just to give it some top end lube while cranking. WD 40 is a water displacement spray. I would not consider this equivalent to a penetrating oil or lubricant.

Then I'd disconnect the gas line to the fuel pump and run the carb off a temporary gas tank set up.

You may be really surprised how well that engine will run with just fresh gas and a set of points. But being a 6 volt system, I'd either get a new battery or make sure the one I have is holding a full charge. It will run down fast if the car does not start.

JD

[Guest n1gzd]

I forgot to mention that I have a new fuel tank and sender. I will replace all of the bad parts of the fuel system including the fuel lines if they look bad.

[JohnD1956]

Then nix the need for a clean fuel supply. My money says it starts right up...

After all, it is a Buick!!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

JD

[critterpainter]

Unless you know for a fact that the oil pan is clean, pull the pan and clean the gunk out. After sitting for 17 years all the crud in the oil that would make it look dirty will settle out and wait to be picked up by the oil pump and scar the bearings.

bill

[Guest n1gzd]

Cleaning the oil pan, excellent idea. I had not thought of that. I suspect a new gasket is a good idea anyway.

Rebecca

[Fred Rawling]

It would be a good idea to rebuild the fuel pump. The 17 year old diaphram will probably not hold up with the new gas.

[Guest n1gzd]

Yes. Fuel pump is on my list. I will probably send it to someone instead of trying to do it myself (because of the vacuum pump too).

When I first try running this car I am also going to plan on caping off the vacuum lines that go to the windshield wiper assy. I am assuming that it will leak and I am not going to rebuild that now.

Rebecca