I recently got offered an 89 Firebird (2.8 v6 of course) for free. Thing is the car as been sitting for 3 years. It ran when they stopped using it but the battery has since died so I cant tell if it runs right now. What I want to know is anything that I should look for if it doesnt start besides obvious spark plugs, oil, and things like that. pretty much things i wouldnt think of. thanks

 

Hoses, fluids, the obvious. It will definitely need a change of the fluids. I can't stress enough on checking the hoses though.

 

and Im sure you've realized it, but do not even try to start it with the gas that is in that tank. Drain and start fresh, just got to fight that urge to hear it run, or you'll be dealing with other headaches

 

Pull the plugs, squirt some oil into the cylinders. Change all fluids, check all hoses. Pull the connectors off of the distributor so it won't fire the injectors. Crank the engine over until oil pressure builds. Like it says above, drain and refill the gas tank. Change the fuel filter after it has run for a bit, and give it a tune up (cap, rotor, wires,plugs).

 

before you buy, make sure the engine is'nt froze turn the crank with a breaker bar, I've had my 2.8 froze in just 2 years sitting without rolling it over

 

thanks guys, i might have it towed to my house and work on getting it running here becasue it has 2 flat tires....

 

if it is frozen.... Pour some oil and marvel mystery oil into the cylinders and let it soak for a few days.

 

^^ tranny fluid also works

 

how goes it?

 

dont replace the automatic tranny fluid if its automatic, cuz if its has alot a miles and the oil hasn't been replace since it was brand new it could ruin ur tranny. if the fluild been changed before that u should ok. if its manual tranny u should be ok also

 

I'd say don't flush the trans but drop the pan and change filter and gasket......most of the crap will've settled in the pan and might clog the filter

 

thats what I did for my car.

 

its an automatic and i should be going to look at it in 2 or 3 weeks