Starting up poorly stored car; advice if possible

dB Cooper · « **on:** 19 Jan 2015, 02:40 am »

Have to start up my sister's car which has been stored in an unheated garage for a year and a half. She ought to get rid of it but won't, long story, medical situation. Batt no good but going to try to jump it. Any advice about how to proceed welcomed. Her situation has been an ongoing financial burden so I'm not looking to sink any of the few dollars I have left into it Its an early 90s CAddy FWIW.

Thanks
dB

George3 · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 06:38 am »

DB,

I don't know what region of the U.S. you live in but my first concern would be condition of the gas in the tank. Therefore, what I would recommend for your consideration would be to get a can of dry gas in the tank which you can get at any auto parts store, and put it in. Put the battery on a charger until the battery is fully charged.

Next, check to make sure all your fuild levels are correct. Brake, tramsmission, radiator etc.

I presume the Caddy is fuel injected. After the battery is charged try to start it. If it doesn't start after a few try's , do not attempt to force the issue as it may be result of the gas having gone bad,turning to parafin which will only clog your injectors and make the situation worse. If that is the case, then we have another more complex issue to deal with. But, we can discuss that if necessary ....

With luck, she will start up. Then what you must do is drive it and by that I mean at least 100 miles and then filler her up with new gas.

Also, be sure to pump the brakes before you start on your drive and make sure you have some resistance in the peddle so you know your brakes are ok. And, check the tire pressure to make sure they are to specs.

Hope this helps and that you will be alright.....

George

mcgsxr · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 07:17 pm »

Agreed that the condition of the fuel will likely dictate how awful it will be to get the Caddy up and running again.

Regardless, a fuel system flush, perhaps new plugs, and then putting Stabil in the tank going forward would all be good ideas.

I used to bring motorcycles back to life, but they were a lot easier. Pull the carbs, drain them and clean the jets. Drain the gas tank. Refill, and then crank it up.

I park my T Bird in the winters, and have had success just putting Stabil in the gas. Once Spring comes, the old 429 springs to life in 4-5 chugs of the starter.

DaveC113 · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 07:22 pm »

I'd pull the fuel injectors and send them in to get cleaned/calibrated, there are some places that do this for a reasonable price.

Drain the motor oil and gas and put in fresh, check all other fluid levels and go for it...

When I had a shop I got a Lotus going that had been sitting in a police impound lot for over 20 years...

Folsom · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 07:27 pm »

Check the fluid levels in the battery. Add distilled water if they're not up. They likely are not. Then put the battery on trickle charge.

The gas likely had ethanol in it, which may have evaporated to some degree. Adding a little bit of octane boost and something for water would be smart.

That should be all you need to get it running, but after you cycle through a tank of gas I'd replace the fuel filter. I'd also change the oil after it's been running up to temperature for a few days.

The injector cleaning might be a good idea, but I don't believe you'd need this to get it running.

dB Cooper · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 08:23 pm »

The car should be scrapped but she won't consider it (She can't drive due to medical reasons). I have been decimated financially by aforementioned reasons so I am NOT looking to sink money into it. Battery is known bad. Landlord wants it out of the garage so it only has to go 20 feet. Gonna buy some gas drier and then if I can't strart it, I'll pull it or push it..Tags expired so not going to take it out on the road. Trying to get her to get rid of it but no luck so far. An all around bad situation.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

Folsom · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 08:28 pm »

What happens if you don't do anything?

dB Cooper · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 08:30 pm »

Not sure I understand

Folsom · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 08:58 pm »

Quote from: dB Cooper on 19 Jan 2015, 08:30 pm

Not sure I understand

Her landlord, your landlord?

vortrex · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 09:01 pm »

A car sitting for 1.5 years is not a big deal, jump it and you'll be fine.

Devil Doc · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 10:00 pm »

Quote from: vortrex on 19 Jan 2015, 09:01 pm

A car sitting for 1.5 years is not a big deal, jump it and you'll be fine.

Yes and no. If water has gotten into the cylinders it won't start without pulling the plugs and forcing the water out.
Head gaskets can also dry out and fail. It won't start under those conditions either.

Doc

vortrex · « **Reply #11 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 10:15 pm »

A car will start and run with a blown head gasket. He only needs to move it 20 ft. The chances are it will be fine after only sitting 1.5 years.

DaveC113 · « **Reply #12 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 10:17 pm »

Just push it... seems easier.

2bigears · « **Reply #13 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 10:21 pm »

. A few gallons of fresh fuel,, jump it,, turn the key ,,,, done . 1.5 years is nothing....

Unless it's a total P.O.S. ,,,,

twitch54 · « **Reply #14 on:** 19 Jan 2015, 10:55 pm »

do the minimum as other have suggested …………add some fresh gas, can of Chevron Techron (one of the best), check all fluid levels, charge and or jump /replace battery and give her a go !

In so far as cleaning 'injectors' …….. probably not likely given it's age, I suspect it was probably a throttle body.

bregez · « **Reply #15 on:** 20 Jan 2015, 01:28 am »

Just one suggestion.
After you have a freshly charged battery in the car. Prior to turning the ignition I would press the accelerator to the ground then turn the key and allow the starter motor to turn the crank over a few times to allow the oil in the pan to fully wet the rods, cylinder walls, etc.. I believe the early 90's Cadillac ECM was programmed so it will not send a pulse signal to the injectors if the pedal is fully pressed prior to start up. Hence, the engine will not start.

dB Cooper · « **Reply #16 on:** 20 Jan 2015, 02:14 am »

Quote from: Salis Audio on 19 Jan 2015, 08:58 pm

Her landlord, your landlord?

My landlord. He needs his garage space back. I can understand. It has just been wearing on me for a while now.

DaveC, it may come to that. Gotta round up some burly young fit friends if that happens, there's a gentle uphill slope coming out of the garage. Gentle as long as you're not trying to push a 4000+lb car, that is

bregez, good info, thanks. Looking to not buy a battery as it might go bad before she ever gets to use it anyway (if ever). It doesn't have to run long or well, just enough to get it out of the garage.

I want to thank everybody again, I have been under big stress for awhile. Good to have friends and community.

Doublej · « **Reply #17 on:** 20 Jan 2015, 02:22 am »

Need to move it twenty feet? Unless it's up Lombard Street get two friends and push it. A lot easier than trying to fire it up IMHO.

dB Cooper · « **Reply #18 on:** 20 Jan 2015, 02:28 am »

Quote from: Doublej on 20 Jan 2015, 02:22 am

Need to move it twenty feet? Unless it's up Lombard Street get two friends and push it. A lot easier than trying to fire it up IMHO.

Lombard Street? How'd you know I'm from Baltimore originally???

thunderbrick · « **Reply #19 on:** 20 Jan 2015, 03:28 am »

Wrong Lombard Street, fellow Baltimore native.

I think he means the steep hill in San Fran.