Hi

My 1988 Camaro TBI has been sitting for 8 years with gas inside the tank, it has never been started during all the time. What do I have to consider when firing it up again for the first time? I thought I should suck out all that old gas at least and replace with fresh one. But I've read that you should take out the spark plugs and spray some oil inside the cylinders and turn the engine by hand a few times. I really want to avoid doing that because my plugs haven't been out for over 20 years and around 130'000 kilometers and my mechanic always told me there is a high chance of breaking the plugs and parts can fall into the cylinder, so I'm really afraid of doing that, at least when the car is cold (heard that loosening the plugs on a hot engine is safer). So what do you think: do I really have to take the risk or is it quite safe to fire it up without putting extra lubricant into the cylinders?

Thanks,
Thomas

 

remove that tank and throw it away, buy a replacement
most likely will need a new fuel pump and sending unit as well.

 

The tank might still be salvageable. You will have to flush it out and then treat any rust that might still be in there. New fuel pump and maybe a new sender as well. Search on YouTube on how to clean and treat the gas tank.

I don’t think the steel spark plugs would break off inside the cast iron heads. I’d spray some WD-40 on the plugs where they go into the head and wait a day or so. That way, the lubricant can work its way down into the threads by capillary action. You should have no problem removing the plugs after that.

 

Agreed. These tanks have a lip at the sending unit flange that hold fluid when you tip it upside down. So once you add anything other than gas, you cannot get it out. Its varnish. I would also recommend replacing the plugs and adding a touch of ATF and acetone in each hole. When it comes time to crank, unplug the injectors and crank ot a bit to build oil pressure.

 

The tank can be cleaned. I cleaned mine, but I drained the old gas out before I put it in long term storage. Don’t automatically replace things just because. Before you decide to get a new tank, if you choose that option, take to a shop that cleans tanks. They might be able to salvage it. The replacement tanks lose some capacity and the fuel filler pipe is in a slightly different position making it harder to install from what I’ve read on here. Try to save the original one, if not, then get a new tank.

 

It's TBI, so a clean filter is a necessity (including a spare or two). Disable the electric fuel pump and ignition, unplug the injector pod electrical connector, and see how it cranks over on a fresh battery. If you can see or measure oil pressure, it might be safe to start briefly. Also listen for any mechanical noises during cranking.

Presuming there is oil pressure, re-enable the ignition only (NOT the fuel pump) and manually feed a little starting fuel directly to the throttle body. Crank again an see if it even attempts to fire/run.

If that all progresses with positive results, you can remove the fuel line at the filter (preferred) or from the TBI base unit and connect a fitting with fuel hose to a catch can. Operate the fuel pump via jumpering at the relay, the "G" terminal at the ALDL, or manually powering the pump however you prefer. Pump out a good sample of the fuel from the tank, at least a couple gallons to monitor whether there is any sediment, if it clears up or continues, and if the pump continues to operate. Evaluate the fuel pumped from the tank to determine If there is any volatility (doubtful) and no significant contamination (hopeful).

If the fuel clears during the initial pump-out you could proceed to pump the fuel tank to near empty, then add some fresh fuel at the lowest octane available.

If there is significant contamination after pumping a couple of gallons, it will be time to determine what the contamination might be. If only emulsified fuel/water/varnish, draining and adding clean fuel might resolve the tank question. Rust flakes and/or sediment could indicate a completely different approach.

This should be entertaining, at least.

 

I would just crank it over and see what happens. Might start and run pretty easily, although not gonna be great with gas that old. The most I would do is drain old fuel and refill, then attempt start. Everything else is a nice suggestion, but kinda like firing the parts cannon without even knowing if you actually have a problem.

 

Put a battery in and turn the key. See what happens. Im sure the fuel and injectors an issue but ya never know. When i bought my car in the late 90s it had been sitting for 6 yrs outside. The owners thought it was dead.I started it, filled the dry, flat tires and drove it home.

 

I agree with this 100%. Sometimes there are issues and parts need replaced. But sometimes everything is fine and only fresh gas needs dumped in.

I just bar the engines over a few revolutions, then put in a battery, some fresh fuel, then turn the key and see what happens. If they don't run, I feed them 20% ether and see if they run then.

 

Injectors will probably be stuck and need to be tapped to free them up. Pull out and reinstall fuses to reestablish good connection.