I'm really excited to get my car fired up but I'm also alittle afraid. Since it hasn't been started in awhile is there anything I should do before turning it over? (Besides putting the key in the ignition), like changing the oil and adding new gas stuff like that.
I still have my spring tune up in the trunk from before the smash so that'll be done to.

Charge up the battery. Or just boost the car. EIther way, be sure your car has a good battery. Put your foot to the floor, and crank for 5 seconds. Stop cranking, let off the gas, re crank and lightly tap the gas while cranking. This will help circulate everything, and help prime the oil, so you don't have a dry start. You may want to change the oil, depending on how the car was stored [garaged, not garaged, cold, warm, etc]. I suggest changing the oil, maybe before starting. Maybe wait for a gearhead to respond on that account. Top off the gas right away, too. Oh yeah, and take it easy until the car warms up completely.


-justin

I would change the oil and filter, pull the plugs and pour about an ounce of engine oil in each cylinder, with the plugs out crank the engine in intervals ( so you don't kill the starter ) until the oil light goes out or the oil pressure gauge starts going up. Then crank it a few more times after the oil light goes off.

Next put the plugs back in (new ones wouldn't hurt), put the throttle to the floor one or 2 times, release the throttle and crank the engine; it should start.

After the car has started I would fill it with fresh fuel and fuel injector cleaner (1 bottle). In addition change the fuel filter and complete with a full tune up.

ps Welcome back to the club and hope your car is up and running soon

I had a car sit for 3 months and the battery was GONE. It wouldn't even hold a charge. So, i'd charge it before anything. I think trying to start the car before charging is how I fried the battery.

Also dont forget the little things like tire pressure, coolant level, check belts and hoses for cracks, wiper blades, brake fluid level, power stearring fluid, transmission fluid etc.

All very good point.. my battery also died when it sat.. I did something more drastic though.. but in your case you wouldn't have to.. since my car went swimming and I noticed water in the airbox, and oil pan.. I changed the oil to get rid of the water.. along with tranny filter and fluid.. now get this

Filled the cylinders up with Coke and let it sit overnight.. drained it out via vacuum cleaner and some short crank with all plugs off to blow out any other... turn the car and let it run for bout 2-5 min.. changed the oil.. and as the out-law claims *had a horse shoe up my butt* cause we all know metal and water don't mix especially after it has been sitting for a long period of time.. just the fact that the engine is running is a good sign.. now after christmas.. I will look into my boost issue which is another topic

P.*. Side affect.. I think all the crap that came out of the engine may have took out my cat also.. thats why it was hollow.. still have that thing sitting at my parents..

samething happened to me 2