Hello. I am looking at purchasing a 91 Formula that has been in storage for around 5 years, and last started between 3-4 years ago. It is a low mileage car and ran great, the guy just lost interest in it.

My question is, what should I do before attempting to start it up? I know I will need a new battery. I will be sure to give the belt and hoses a good inspection and maybe will even change the oil. Other than check fluid levels, are there any other things I should do? This is still the factory tuned port setup and is unmolested.

Thanks for your help!

 

check the brakes and hoses,lines, fuel lines. drain any old gas out or siphon,start off with maybe short trips

 

Also change ALL oil, like engine, trans, power steering, rear end.

 

change the oil before you even try to start it.

 

Thanks guys. I ran through the checklist, but it didn't matter. The fuel pump is dead. I did get it to run by spraying starting fluid directly in, so the engine is no doubt fine. Now its off to the garage for a new pump. Thanks for the help.

 

Be careful with the starting fluid. I used it to try to get my new engine in my 91 Formula to start and I ended up washing the oil off the cylinders. The pistons had a Teflon coating on them and they ended up sticking to the cylinders and seizing the engine. Once I tore it all apart and re lubed the pistons it was all good then thankfully.

 

Ams oil makes a special oil that you spray into each cylinder. You let it sit overnight with the plugs out. That lubes the cylinders and prevents a dry start on the top end. Another thing you can do is pull the distributor, get a oil pump primer that attaches to a power drill and manually prime the engine before you attempt any type of start up. I recently did this on an engine that we hadn't started in several years.

 

I didn't want to tackle the fuel pump myself, so I brought it to a garage that I trust. They changed it out and I told them to go through it, new fluids, check the brakes, etc. By chance the previous owner used these guys for some injector and brake work just before he parked it (so I have warranties covering some stuff). He only had them change 3 injectors as they were huge money. So now there is an issue with the unchanged injectors. Rather than screw around I bought a set from FIC and will have them installed next week. Everything else should be cool.

I can still remember being a new driver looking at these cars brand new in papers and on lots. Funny how it still seems like a "new" car to me. I have been eyeballing this particular car for a couple years, watching it sit in neglect. I can't express how happy I am to see it getting the work and attention it deserves.