Sitting car startup

[White80]

To all members that have been there...my FI 80 has been sitting for almost a year. It wasn't planned that way, but that's the way it's turned out. Any recommended procedure for starting it and getting it back on the road? I have to get it smog tested!

[red107]

My 81 was sitting in storage for 4 years due to military service in Japan. I got my car running with out any issues. I stored it before and made sure there was not a lot of fuel in it when I stored it. Ethanol is terrible in a fuel system for long storage. I changed the Engine oil and put fresh fuel in the system but only a gallon. I ran it near empty. I then changed the fuel filters. My pump was still good, however I have a new fuel pump just in case. I refilled with Fresh fuel (ethanol free) Here in NC they sell ethanol free fuel. The downside its only in premium. I also checked my ignition system and tires. I need tires. They are ten years old. They have no dry rot, but its a safety thing. Over the years of taking my fiat in and out of storage I have found out that issues tend to be spark and fuel related.

[White80]

Thanks Red107...did you just add new gas to the existing gas in the tank or did you drain the tank? Did you remove the plugs and shot some lubricant down the cylinders, like Marvel oil or some such or did you just fired her up?

[Exit98]

I'm no expert, but I think you are over-thinking this.

A year isn't all that long. I'm assuming the car was inside and that it was running OK when you parked it\. I hope you disconnected the battery, if you didn't you'll need to pull it, clean up the corrosion and connections and charge it up.

Check the oil and coolant levels.

Don't drain the gas but put in some fresh if there is room.

See if it starts.

Good Luck.

[bradartigue]

I would put in fresh gas and start. Others would pull the plugs and disconnect the coil, then spin the engine to build up oil pressure (without compression this puts very little stress on the engine). I've fired them up after sitting for much longer without issue; the FIAT block is a tough little bastard.

[White80]

Thank you Doug and Brad. Yeah, you're right Doug, I was over thinking it. I took all of your advice, pour 2 gal of Union 76 into the tank, hooked up the battery, cranked it over and it sputtered to life. In less time then me writing this, it smoothed out and was running as well as it did a year ago. I did have my fingers cross though.

Paul, Riverside CA