Car that has sat for awhile.

[TapouT]

My parents have a 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with a 307 V8 engine in it. The starter went out on it approximately a year and 4 months ago and I replaced the starter in it in oct. of 2008. The battery wasn't strong enough to crank the car and I just left it sitting. I bought a new battery for it though and i'm hoping to get it cranked this week for them. What should I do/check before trying to start this car? I think I might run into some trouble as it's carbureted and it hasn't been started in awhile. Thanks for the help!

 

[rustyolred]

make sure that you change the oil. use some starting fluid in the carb and give her a whirl.

 

[96tacolx]

Don`t rev it up as soon as it starts. Give it a few minutes for the oil to lubricate everything again.

 

[rbo1577186]

x2 on above,

remove the spark plugs and spray some penetrating fluid in there. Let it seep through overnight.

You may want to try to turn it over by hand first, but after soaking with fluid, it shouldn't be an issue.

The gas sitting in the tank could have gone bad..... Add some type of fuel stabilizer or dump it to be safe. Might want to get an extra fuel filter if possible.

 

[Slacker]

I disconnect the fuel line at the filter and run it off a jug.
Most times the fuel in the tank is crap and the lines have junk in them.