Not started for 8 years

[S70JPS]

Yeterday I had my grandads rover 600 towed to my house. It's not been started for 8 years 2L diesel. Should i just fit a new battery and give it a go? Really tempted!

[black1]

go for it !

[Oilchange]

check the oil, perhaps even change it. not an expensive thing to do.

[E38Ross]

I'd change the oil at the minimum, probably the plugs and if planning on using it for a while I would certainly change the coolant too.

In reality, the whole car will need a full service.

[TomM]

Doesnt fuel have a lifespan? Seem to remember Ed China saying it should be flushed on any car that has been standing for years.

[thinfourth2]

Just jump start it, wouldn't even bother with a new battery

[silverfoxcc]

Where are the plugs omn a diesel? unless he means the glo plugs!

[MX7]

Why change the oil? Just check the coolant/oil levels and then see what happens.

[MX7]

TomM said:

Doesnt fuel have a lifespan? Seem to remember Ed China saying it should be flushed on any car that has been standing for years.

I think that's a myth. I've known many cars to sit for years, and start with no problem. The quality might deteriorate slightly, but it'll still work.

[marshalla]

MX7 said:

Why change the oil? Just check the coolant/oil levels and then see what happens.

If it's been standing for years, all the oil will be in the sump rather than coating surfaces.

If you change the oil, it has to run down through to engine to get to the sump to fill it up again - so some lubrication is present throughout the engine. It's not perfect, but it does give it a better chance of starting without causing damage due to dry surfaces rubbing against each other during cranking.

[deltashad]

How often does an opportunity like this come up. Get your camcorder out and fire her up.

[MX7]

marshalla said:

If it's been standing for years, all the oil will be in the sump rather than coating surfaces.

If you change the oil, it has to run down through to engine to get to the sump to fill it up again - so some lubrication is present throughout the engine. It's not perfect, but it does give it a better chance of starting without causing damage due to dry surfaces rubbing against each other during cranking.

Disconnect the plugs and turn it over on the key for 20 secs.

If it's knackered, it would be daft to spend £40 on oil.

[carreauchompeur]

Tow start it for added "will it work?" sts and giggles.

[danrc]

Just do it

I am going to do the same to my MK1 when I finally wheel it out of the shed.

[marshalla]

S70JPS said:

2L diesel.

MX7 said:

Disconnect the plugs and turn it over on the key for 20 secs.

[The Black Flash]

MX7 said:

TomM said:

Doesnt fuel have a lifespan? Seem to remember Ed China saying it should be flushed on any car that has been standing for years.

I think that's a myth. I've known many cars to sit for years, and start with no problem. The quality might deteriorate slightly, but it'll still work.

It does go off in my experience. Started an MGB that had been stood for 7 years just last year. It ran, barely, on the dregs of the old fuel, (i.e. coughing and spluttering on about 2 cylinders), but as soon as the fresh stuff pulled through, it fired perfectly.
Diesel might be a bit more resistant though as it's less volatile ?

[jbi]

film it and put it on youtube

[richardaucock]

Get stuck in and crank her: you'll soon find out if it's seized (!) and, as it's unlikely to start straight away, this'll help get the oil circulating.

Do please film it too...

[Fartgalen]

Please be sure to film the bit where you remove the plugs.

[rumple]

Why do you want to start it, curiosity or do you want the car, if you want it do the oil etc, if not jump it, film it though and post piccys