Getting a car going again once stood

[seany87]

Hi I know this is in the wrong section so can someone please move it, my phone wont let me start a topic in gassing.

A friend has a mk3 golf diesel that has been stood outside for about 2 years, I have offered to take it off her as I could do with a cheap runabout, although I know about it I havent seen it for about a year. It was tired looking then but still decent once a clean and tidy. I know it needs tyres and a battery. Is there anything else I should look for ? Cheers

[tonyvid]

seany87 said:

Hi I know this is in the wrong section so can someone please move it, my phone wont let me start a topic in gassing.

A friend has a mk3 golf diesel that has been stood outside for about 2 years, I have offered to take it off her as I could do with a cheap runabout, although I know about it I havent seen it for about a year. It was tired looking then but still decent once a clean and tidy. I know it needs tyres and a battery. Is there anything else I should look for ? Cheers

The brakes will probably be locked solid as the discs will have reverted back to ore - they might clean up with use but there is a good chance the calipers will have partially seized as well. The clutch might be stuck too, if you can't get it in gear once it is running, turn it off, put it in gear and try to start with the clutch pedel down - this can "knock" it off sometimes.

[Wing Commander]

I would fully flush the oil and change the filter.

Also, how much fuel is in it? Either way, I would sling a shot of redex in it as the fuel may have gone a bit stale.

Tyres are probably due for replacement.

What is the water level like? I would probably flush that and replace it too.

Then fire it up and take a look at it from there.

Moving it will be a problem as the discs and pads will have become one. Jack the car up and take each wheel off one at a time. Give the calipers a gentle whack to free the pads from them.

I am sure there is more that I have missed, but its enough to start with.

[untakenname]

At the very least replace all fluids and then squirt some oil in through the sparkplug holes. Informative article here http://www.aaroncake.net/rx-7/unstore.htm

[thiscocks]

Did you mean "Getting a car going again since standing for a long time" ?

Edited by thiscocks on Monday 20th September 13:50

[Sea Demon]

I bought an Alfa 145 recently that had been stood for 3 years and the brakes were fine, started 2nd turn of the key. We jumped it from another car but turned the engine over with the injector rail removed 1st of all before firing it up then it was a case of fresh fuel, oil/filter change & coolant change.