1986 Chevrolet Camaro After 5 Years

1986 CHEVROLET TRUCK
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DAWN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have a 1986 Chevrolet Camaro that has been sitting for about 5 years. The gas has all evaporated from the tank. I bought a new battery for it last week in the hope of getting it started again, and I wondered if it is okay just to put some gas in the tank and turn the key. I really like this car (I got it new almost 20 years ago and have been pretty good to it all these years before I stopped driving it about 5 years ago, so it is in good condition under the hood and everywhere else.), and I don't want to damage the engine in any way, so is there some sort of precaution I need to take before trying to start it after it has been sitting for five years?

Thanks!
Jan 24, 2006 at 4:31 AM
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MVANNESSJR
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 223 POSTS
Check the spark plugs, wires, coolant and OIL. I would do an oil change before starting this car at all. Oil should be changed every three months as it will expire. If the oil is bad it can get real thick and absolutely cause issues in starting the car safely. Having little/no/or bad coolant can also be bad. A basic tune up before adding fuel to her and starting it up would be good.

After checking and replacing the fluids and looking at the plugs to make sure they are not oil fouled or in bad shape it should start just fine. Be prepared for some smoke from the tailpipe as it will more than likely burn and deposits that have been sitting in the system. Watch the engine compartment for unusual burning and the temperature guage for unsual heating issues.

Good luck!
Jan 24, 2006 at 5:06 PM
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DAWN
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Hi,

Thank you so much for the good advice. I'll post a message here at the board once I get it started to let you know how things went!

D
Jan 24, 2006 at 11:55 PM
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SC1 RACING
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 117 POSTS
if it has been sitting that long i would also recomend that you remove the plugs and add some lubricant into each cylinder before trying to start. after sitting that long the rings could be seized.
Jan 25, 2006 at 1:56 AM
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DAWN
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Thanks! I found someone who will come over and change out the fluids, so I will ask them to remove the plugs and put some lubricant in the cylinders, too.

Dawn
Jan 25, 2006 at 3:10 AM
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Suggested Repair

Before adding fuel or cranking, change the oil and check coolant, spark plugs, and plug wires. Remove the spark plugs and add lubricant to each cylinder in case the rings have stuck after long storage, then reinstall the plugs. After fluids and plugs are addressed, add fresh fuel and start the car while watching for tailpipe smoke, unusual burning in the engine bay, and abnormal temperature readings.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1986 Chevrolet Camaro that had sat for about five years with an empty fuel tank asked whether fresh gas and a new battery were enough to start it safely. Experts advised changing the oil and checking coolant, plugs, and wires before starting, and also removing the plugs to lubricate the cylinders because the rings may have seized. The owner planned to have the fluids changed and the cylinder lubrication done before attempting to start the car.

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