1976 Chevy Corvette Starting engine

COOLERS

MEMBER
1976 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
V8
2WD
MANUAL
12,000 MILES

This car has been setting for over 10 years. What do I need to do to see if the car engine still starts and runs? The battery is dead and I don't think the gas tank was empted. Thanks Harris

Sunday, November 1st, 2009 AT 12:46 PM

1 Reply

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

If the gas tank wasn't emptied, then there's definitely a bunch of gunk in there you don't want in your engine.

So the first thing to do is thoroughly clean the tank, fuel lines (Which are probably rusty and no good), and fuel pump. Get a new fuel filter and clean the carburetor.

Next, drain the cooant, oil and tranny fluid, refill with new filters. Finally, change everything that has something to do with the ignition system. Even though some of these components may appear to be good, you don't want to trust a 10-year old ignition system.