Hi, I have a 83 Z28 which I just purchased, and it hasn't been started in about 4 years. It carburetored and doesn't seem to have much gas in the tank if any at all. I've tried a long hose to siphon and can't reach any gas. Any suggestiions are appreciated. I have thought about just putting in 10 gallons of fresh gas and trying to start the car. Thanks

 

As stated if the car has not been started in four years, drop the gas tank and remove the sending unit power wash the inside of the tank well, if at all possible with HOT WATER. Turn tank over at a slight angle and let air dry.

Now as the tank is drying, unhook the fuel lines at the carb and fuel pump, charcol canister and use compressed air to clean the fuel lines out. Also this would be a good time to have a very good battery and try turning the car over to see if there is spark. If so now move on checking cylinder compression (MIN 100 to 110PSI) for all 8 cylinders for a good running engine that has some milage on it.

If all these checks turn out OK, then go down to the part store and pick yourself up a gallon of Castrol high milage 10w40 motor oil and a filter and change the oil, replace the spark plugs since they were removed for compresson check. You will have plenty of time to do all these checks correctly as the tank will need some time to dry. If for some reason the tank straps break you can still purchase them new.

This is what should be done at a MIN for a car that has not been started for as long as you the NEW owner has stated. Good luck and with a little time & money you will have yourself a nice ride.

Remember: To do any job right it will take sometime, fruits of labor take time to grow

 

While I don't want to take away from the very good advice of the last poster, I will say that it is very likely that with a fresh battery, some starting fluid or gas sprayed in the carb, and some fresh gas, that it will fire up within a few starts.
Taking out the tank and checking compression may seem like daunting tasks if you weren't born with wrenches in your hand like I suspect may be the case with you. Forgive me if I'm off base there. I'm not gearhead material yet myself.
Give the siphon hose another try. It may have coiled up when reaching the bottom and the end of the hose was not pointing down in what ever left over gas may be there. Or maybe it never reached bottom at all.
There will be gummed up gas from the carb to fuel pump but it may not be a deal breaker for you in the attempt to fire up the car. I speak from experience as I had mine sit for 5 years (same engine) and after doing what I mentioned earlier it fired on third try, and then proceeded to drive 900 miles a week later. I will say that the carb eventually had leaks with the 5-year sitting within 6 months.
The previous poster's final quote is priceless and will save down the road headaches in more than just cars.
Best of luck in whatever your plans for your '83

 

Thanks for all the great information. I'm going to drop the tank and go that route. I think I am going to rebuild the carburetor too.

 

Good choice. Take your time and do it right now and you won't be wasting every weekend with running issues. Keep me posted on how everything is going and if I can help you in anyway send me a note. Good luck and take your time.

 

Thanks again for the advice, and I will keep you posted.

 

I dropped the gas tank and cleaned it out. I also blew the fuel lines out, installed a new fuel pump and rebuilt carburetor, and oil change. With new gas and battery the car starts right up and runs real good. I replaced the shocks and struts and new brakes, calipers, and rotors up front and new brakes, wheel cylinders, and drums in the rear. Next step will be the body work.