Hi,I'm 19 and my father gave me his 1986 trans am. It's been sitting in a garage for around 11 years. I have to get it started and running. How should i go about this? Thanks in advanced for your time. I'm fairly new to fixing cars so i don't know much.

 

Does the motor turn over when you turn the key?

 

No,the battery is disconnected. I have the original AC delco sparkplugs and some tools, i think i have to first change the spark plugs. But i'm not sure how to do it.

 

Alright
1. Take the spark plugs out. You need to get some oil in the cylinders before you turn the motor over so that you don't score the walls.
2. Put them back in. I wouldn't worry about changing them right now because you don't know if the motor is seized or not.
3. Check your fluids. All of them. Motor oil, and radiator fluid being the most important at this time. Also be sure to check your brake fluid, transmission fluid, and your power steering fluid.
4. Charge the old battery or put a new battery in it. I, personally, would put a new battery in it, since your old one is sure to be bad.
5. Turn the key. Does the motor turn over? If it does thats great! If not, not so great.
6. You need to put fresh gas in it. You have a carb so you'll likely be looking at rebuilding the carb. I will say though that I dug my 86 Trans Am out of a field it had been sitting in for 10+ years and it literally started right up and runs great to this day.

 

Thank you,i really need this. I'm going to push the car out of the garage on friday,and try all the steps you've given me. What does it mean when the motor is seized? Also, i hope to have the same luck as you when i start it up,i've been dreaming about this car for 3 years now.

 

It means the motor will not turn over, if you do get it to turn over like he said, FRESH GAS. If it will turn over check to see if you are getting spark to the spark plugs. You might also want to label the spark plug wires so you won't forget where they go.

Take some pictures of it for us! And welcome to the third gen community!

 

Yep! Gotta have some pictures!
And if you do lose the firing order its 18436572
135&7 are on the drivers side
246&8 are the passenger side
The firing order starts on the plugs that are closest to the front of the car and make their way back

 

Thanks guys,i will take pics. Oh,odds on the drivers side and evens on the passenger,i will also label them thanks for the tips.I really appreciate it!

 

Here we go.....

-Drain all engine fluids (flush the cooling system/oil) and gas tank and change out the thermostat (cheap insurance). Replace with new oil and filter, antifreeze, and fresh gas (at least 5 gallons). Leave off the radiator cap. You will need to check the the level of antifreeze while the engine is running. When the thermostat opens, you'll know and will have to add more antifreeze (50/50 mix of regular green or all make) Also, replace your radiator cap (more cheap insurance). The old one may not hold pressure.

-Replace the fuel filter! It will be full of junk I'm sure.

-Replace the air filter and clean out any debris.

-Replace the PCV valve

-Replace plugs and wires. No reason not to after 11 yrs. Remember, ONE plug/wire AT A TIME! This way you won't screw up the firing order of the engine.

-GET A NEW BATTERY! Check your yellow pages for stores that sell seconds. Seconds are just batteries that have cosmetic flaws and were failed for general sale. 99.9% of the time they are as good as one you would get at parts house. Cheaper also!

-Before you crank that motor, squirt some oil into each cylinder. This will help to free up the rings if they are frozen.

- Try to turn the motor by hand FIRST!! If it DOES NOT turn, allow the engine to sit with oil for a few days in the cylinders.

-Disable the ignition system and allow the motor to crank. This will prime the oiling system in the engine. After about a 1-2 mins. time, hook ignition system back up.

-DOUBLE CHECK EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE THUS FAR!!!!

-Cross your fingers and turn the key. Don't get worried if it takes a couple times to get the engine to fire.

-Once the engine is running check the trans fluid. It needs to be at the cold level at least when first running. Fill with fresh Dextron III with the engine running if it's low. (to the cold line.)

-Check for leaks under the car (IE. antifreeze/oil). If leaks are major leaks are found shut off car and fix the leak!

-After the thermostat opens and you add the remaining antifreeze needed, install your radiator cap.

-Let the engine idle and warm up to operating temp. If temp starts to spike, shut off and repair as necessary.

-After the engine has ran(15-20 mins) and reached operating temp, shut off motor and change the oil and filter again. Now that it's warm, the oil will have all that old sludge/crap suspended in it. Trust me, it's cheap insurance.

This is just for the motor. Remember, check the brakes (fluid level, condition, and the brakes themselves) power steering fluid, rear diff fluid before you drive off anywhere!!! Hope this helps!

 

Woe that is a lot;but i will definitely do it. I'm starting the spark plugs today and i'll shoot mystery oil in the cylinders

 

Lol,i just changed 1 sparkplug it took me four hours. I'm doing the evens first cause they are the hardest. Do you have any tips for me? The oil is fine i checked, i shot mystery oil in the cylinder from #2 plug. I'm having a hard time with 4,6,8.I'm going again tomorrow.

 

Wow I can do all of them in less than half an hour

 

I got 3 more done,now for the last 4. the hardest ones of all back 2 on each side,by the break lines. Next is the radiator cap right?

 

Have you turned the motor over yet to see if the engine is seized? Thats what I'd start with before buying all sorts of new stuff for it...cause if its seized you're outta luck anyways..

 

Thank you, this is good news for new visitors.

 

Okay, i changed all the spark plugs, now i just need a new battery to start it, Thanks for all your help guys,pics coming soon !

 

Keep us posted. Glad to see you've saved another F-body from the scrapper. You'll feel really good the first time that motor starts.

 

The car runs now,motor turns,everything works fine except air conditioner. Thanks guy for the help. Pics and videos coming up soon.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOhjbtO6TNE here's one vid i posted up shortly after i got it started. Here's the pics http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC08797.jpg , http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/a...08796-Copy.jpg , http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC08793.jpg , http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC08792.jpg , http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/DSC08790.jpg

 

Thats a sweet looking car bro! Take good care of it.

 

Thanks, i will, but i'm having a bit of a problem. In NY, the classic car insurance is really expensive,i cant afford the full coverage,only the liability. Do you guys have any suggestions.I'm sorry for all the questions you've already give me so much help.I really appreciate it.

 

Man, the video gave me chills- listening to Livin' on a prayer in an 80's era vehicle, shortly after it's been started for the first time in 11 years.- Kind of like the movie Christine, where the radio kept playing oldies.

 

Yeah, that's what my mother said. Never seen the movie,i think it was out before my time. Even i got the chills when it started up. I had major doubts it wouldn't