hasn't ran in three years

[Vettefan87]

My dad just bought a 1970 350/350 horse Corvette that has not been running in about three years. What would you guys do to get it running?


Thanks

 

[cmegga]

Put they key in an turn it forward. Just kidding

Check the battery, all hoses and fluids. Change the oil, even if its clean the oil will breakdown over time. I would also recomend a gas treatment unless you know a stabilizer was add before storage.
then let her rip.

 

[bossvette]

I would drain all gas unless you know for sure there was stabilizer in it, and keep us posted. Why don't you and your Dad make a run to Cruise-Fest 2004 in Auburn Indiana in May

 

[JohnZ]

The FIRST thing to do is to make sure it has brakes (it sucks when your new Corvette's brake pedal goes to the floor at the end of the driveway).:eyerole

 

[bossvette]

The FIRST thing to do is to make sure it has brakes (it sucks when your new Corvette's brake pedal goes to the floor at the end of the driveway).:eyerole

John, you point out the obvious that we often overlook; It is great to have you looking over our shoulders. Do you think you will have time in your busy schedule to attend Cruise-Fest 2004 we could find something for you to do:L
Craig sr

 

[Rowdy1]

If It Were Me

The first thing I'd do is pull the spark plugs and shoot each cylinder with a fogger like they use on marine engines to winterize them and let it sit overnight. This will help save you from breaking a piston ring by cranking it over dry. If you foul out a plug or two, it's a lot cheaper than a ring job. Most cans come with the plastic tube taped to the side of the can to spray all around the cylinder wall. Next I'd drain the oil and filter and replace it and I'd pull the valve covers off and pour oil on all the springs and rockers as part of the refilling of the oil. Drain the coolant and refill it with straight water for the initial startup, after you get it running, you can easily drain it again and put the right mixture in it once the bugs are out of it. Check all the hoses for cracks and tighten any clamps. When I was ready to start it for the first time, I'd pull the coil wire and crank it two to five seconds a number of times until I was sure I had oil pressure using the gauge if it has one. You can also check it for spark while you're cranking it. Once you have pressure, put the coil wire back in, say a prayer and try to start it. I would NOT use either or starting fluid, I won't use that stuff on ANYTHING, and I would NOT try starting it with the air cleaner off. That should be checked also for obstructions, mice, etc. If it won't start, troubleshoot it one thing at a time, hopefully, you won't have to. Once you get it running, you can then change what it needs for a full service, air filter element etc.
This may seen like overkill to some, but a few minutes of prep may save your Dad a heartache, $$$ and downtime.
Let us all know how you make out and BEST OF LUCK!!!

 

[drags1998]

Sounds like Rowdy has been down this road before!!! A little work now is better than a LOT OF WORK later!!!!!! Good Luck!!! :L