1994 Chevy Blazer hot rod Sitting long term.

OB3135

MEMBER
1994 CHEVROLET BLAZER
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
145,000 MILES

Hi, I have a 94 K5- Blazer (Tahoe) and I gutted it 4 years ago and dropped in a Crate motor, custom Trannie, auburn gears, whipple super charger, MSD, ceramic headers, Etc. So we are pushing 420 horse or so, it has been setting for about 1.2 years. Ran for 30 minutes a pop maybe twice at idol, the last time we crancked it was about 8 months ago. My question is could there be any internal damage to Rings, Seals, Gaskets, etc. Dry rotting, cracking, deteriation or anything like that. I guess bottom line is can sitting 1 year without running cause internal TERMINAL or internal "must repair" issues?

So now, we fired it up and it is puffing a little black smoke and running kinda ruff, is this bad gas, bad plugs?

I just dont want to get it running and blow it up or throw a rod because I didnt do something?

Thanks Scott

3 Replies

MIKE H R

MECHANIC
3,094 POSTS

Scott, even crate motors are not run all the time the test them before they crate them some sit for more than a year depending on demand. As far as internal damage, seals can dry out. If you are not going to be running the engine for some time I would use something like stp or a thick lube in the oil so the next time you start it it is not a dry start. Which means there is some lubricant coating the inside of the engine, rings. Lifters, camshaft bearings The main concern is the gas. After a while gas does go bad. When it does it will leave a varnish coating in the fuel system. There are additives that can be added to extend the life of the gas for a while, but it is best that it is either drain it or run it dry then add fresh gas. I have a trans am sitting in the garage that gets drive about once a year. You can smell the gas. Gas that is going bad has a distinctive odor to it. If left and not taken care of will gum up the fuel system. I have seen cars that have been in junk yards for a really long time start right up. I hope that answers your question, If not get in touch with me.