1985 GSL-SE - Sat for a long time

[MB12]

I have owned the vehicle since 1991 and after 2 kids and a move it has sat in my garage for the past 5 years. It ran great up until then with very little problems. Now I know that I am going to get the replies that say I should never have left it that long. I got that but I can't turn back time. Wouldn't mind some feedback as to whether or not you think I will be in for some major problems with the engine. I am aware that I may have some brake issues as well as some belts. The belts actually look fine but I guess that doesn't mean anything.

Just interested in your views,
Thanks,
Mike

[BoostedFC]

Well here is a option you may use "ATF clean out" by putting a few ounces in the leading spark plug holes you can release the motor if it's carbon locked. ATF will help with the carbon, but it is corrosive & can damage seals if used too many times or left in the combustion chamber. The idea is too get a couple ounces in there & either hand crank the motor or bump the stater to get the ATF moving around to break down the carbon. Change your plugs for I'm sure they will be fouled. I would definitely change all fluids assuming that you didn't store the car dry.

[blind dr]

I love all these cars that sit around and come back out.

see my post here http://www.rx7forums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2025

Mine sat for 15 years.

[MB12]

Thanks for the advice guys. Everything seems to be okay so far. Great compression, all electrical devices are working (lights, blinkers, wipers, stereo, etc...) so hopefully that means no critters found a home in it. Parts, (wires, cap, 2 sets of plugs, front and rear brakes, and rad cap) are being delivered today. Tires seem to be awful hard to find but Canadian tire is going to be calling me back soon. Drained gas, and getting ready to change oil so if all works well I will see the plume of white smoke and hear the hum of the rotary on Monday afternoon. The car looks mint! I hope the engine is as good.

I will keep you posted

[MB12]

I have 215 /60 / 14 's on my car now but it calls for 205's Is there any harm in putting 215's back on? I can't find 205's

[BoostedFC]

With tire sizing it's real simple. Example (215/40-15)

1st number is the width of the tire
2nd number is the side aspect ratio
3rd number is the diameter of the wheel
The letter is the speed rating

Some tires like slicks are measure differently. Example (26/10-15)

1st number is tire height
2nd number is tire width
3rd number is the wheel diameter

To answer your question no the difference in size from the 205 to 215 is minimal so you are fine technically you will have a slightly wider tire patch which equals more traction.

[MB12]

Well, after a painful search I was finally able to find a set of new tires that are 205/60/14. i couldn't even find 215/60/14's. I tried both sides of the border as well. Pep Boys would put on a 215 for me. Anyhow, thanks for help and input. I will let you know how I make out with the start up on Monday. I think I will enjoy the car much more after it has been sitting so long.
Thanks again.

[MB12]

Okay, We started no problem today. Very little smoking and went for a short drive. Kept the vehicle's maximum speed to 50mph. New tires put on today. Checked sparks and they looked fine after initial drive. I drained the old gas out before starting and put in 20 litres of high octane. I am a little concerned that when I drained it initially I only was able to get about 15 litres out of it. I had very old gas in it with no stabilizer. My question is this, How thick could varnish be on bottom of tank due to 6 year old gas? When I went to fill car it didn't take very much. Only a few litres after the initial 20Litres. Can the varnish be inches thick? I am pretty sure I drained out all I could initially. On the ride home it seemed to be chugging and not getting enough fuel. I have ordered a new fuel filter which I should have within a couple days but I am very concerned about whats in the tank. I am not advanced enough to remove the tank either. Can I clean it while attached?

[BoostedFC]

I think pulling the tank would be the best idea or replace the tank.

[MB12]

I thought I would pick up my old thread and place an update. Sorry for the long absence. After a bit of frustration and a lack of fund from back 2 years ago I put car back in the garage. I pulled it back out a couple weeks ago and replaced oil lines and had a friend weld the oil cooler. Finally not leaking. I still have fuel tank issues. I replaced the fuel filter and drained tank. Still stuttered a long when I tried to accelerate. I had the tank dropped yesterday and it is a mess inside. Flushed it a few times but still a mess. Looks very rusty and rotten to some extent. I have decided to try and find a new tank and fuel sending unit as it is pretty corroded as well. Not stopping this time until it is fixed. The boy sitting in the car in the picture is my son. He is the reason this car went into to storage back when he was born. He is now the reason I want to get it running smooth.

http://emveedesign.com/mksrx.jpg

[MB12]

I have a question regard the units going into the gas tank. One is obviously the fuel sensor kinda on the side. What is the other unit on the top? I can't find it listed for the life of me but whatever it is I think I need to replace it due to corrosion as well.

[Shaggy]

Nice looking car!

[MB12]

Thanks Shaggy!

[marathonboats]

I like this quote "I think I will enjoy the car much more after it has been sitting so long."