Starting a truck that hasn't run in 5 years

maulcruiser

maulcruiser

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 13, 2005
Location
Bladenboro/Wilmington, NC
I bought a Tacoma last week that hasn't been run in five years. I'm going through the steps to get it running again, and was checking to see if you guys think I'm overdoing it, or if it's a legit method:

Pull fuel tank and flush/clean system from tank to injector rails.
Pull spark plugs and inspect cylinder bores.
Hand turn engine to check if it's locked up or not.
Change engine oil and filter.
Use the starter with the plugs out and fuel pump fuse pulled to build oil pressure.
Reinstall new plugs and fuse to see if it will fire.

Think I'm skipping any critical steps for an initial test-fire?
 
Your gonna need to put a fresh battery in it first....

In all seriousness I think you got it. Fuel surely has gone bad and should be cleaned out, and getting some oil thru the motor should have it ready to go. Most important two things you got covered. Also make sure there is no critter that made a home in the intake.

I'd also consider removing and flushing the radiator real good so you don't send any rust into the block to cause a clog.

If it were me on the other hand, I would do none of the above and if it ran, well then I drive it and change the oil, but I'm lazy and cheap.

Curious as to why it hasn't ran for this length of time?
 
mbalbritton said:
I say ya. To begin with I'd put a fresh battery on it and turn the key. Does it run? No = Start with list above.
Click to expand...

Dang beat me to it while I was typing...
 
Good call on the radiator flush. The battery was a given, though, so I didn't list it.

As to why it hasn't run? The PO bought a new truck and parked this one. After a little digging, I found a failed inspection print-out. Something about it failed the "command-on MIL light" portion of the test.
 
while you got the plugs pulled squirt some marvels mystery oil or similar in each cylinder BEFORE you hand turn it.
This will help lube the rings, especially if they have flashed to the walls.
 
Why not charge the battery first, and see if it holds a charge? For as cheap as you guys all claim to be, you sure are quick to write off the battery. I've had multiple batteries last 7-8 years, and the one in my jeep is currently 13 years old and still cranks it great.
 
While you have the plugs out I would do a compression check. If one or more cylinders are low it will not run well. Oil will help with the rings but if there is a lot of rust on a valve that has been open for years you can try beating on the valve with a block of wood or rubber hammer to get it to seat. If the engine has possibilities I would not start it till I had oil pressure while cranking
 
Trans fluid one drop into each cylinder and let it sit for 30 mins then hand turn engine a few times , then crank with no fire hooked up till you get oil pressure.
 
Can you turn the oil pump with a drill instead of the starter? When I rebuilt a 4.3 a few years ago, that is how I pumped oil the first time before turning the engine.
 
All good suggestions, guys! I'll be sure to put some oil in the cylinders before I turn anything. I'm going to try charging the battery that's in it. It's an Autocraft dated 2007, so I'm not holding my breath.
 
Oil in the cylinders will help with the rings, but won't do anything for the bearings unfortunately. If you want to spend a little money for a one time use, an external oil pump (to drive with a drill) and filter relocation plate (as an easy way to connect the pimp) will allow oiling without turning the engine. Peterson makes a really cool remote filter mount with a primer pump built in but its overkill for what you're doing, and it costs $350. The next car/truck I build is getting one of those.

You could use something like this and adapt it to the sending unit or a filter relocation plate:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...QeVcvt7_siLqB_CEg&sig2=z0G2q1Yn5XBQP7kWVvYS0A
 
Last edited:
Step one
Get jump box and hook to battery
Step two
Bring along can of either and a friend(maybe dump a couple gallons of fresh gas in it)
Step 3
Turn key and here it go woopow. At least till either is gone.
 
Not sure about the Tacos, but the older trucks had a drain on the gas tank. I'd drain the old fuel and put 5 gal in with some seafoam (or something similar).

Check the oil level!

Pull the hot wire to the coil so it won't start. Turn it over for a few seconds to push oil around. Then reconnect the coil and start it.

It's a Toyota, it will be fine.
 
Fabrik8 said:
Oil in the cylinders will help with the rings, but won't do anything for the bearings unfortunately. If you want to spend a little money for a one time use, an external oil pump (to drive with a drill) and filter relocation plate (as an easy way to connect the pimp) will allow oiling without turning the engine. Peterson makes a really cool remote filter mount with a primer pump built in but its overkill for what you're doing, and it costs $350. The next car/truck I build is getting one of those.

You could use something like this and adapt it to the sending unit or a filter relocation plate:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...QeVcvt7_siLqB_CEg&sig2=z0G2q1Yn5XBQP7kWVvYS0A
Click to expand...


Before Id spend that coin, Id flood it with cheap wal mart oil.
Like seriously flood it. 3-5 gallons of the cheap shit.
Let it sit over night.
Drain the excess.

Woopow
 
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