Advice needed from Gearheads

[Lat22]

I've got a 1990 Bronco that hasn't been started in two years. I want this to be my Padre Island surf fishing rig this summer. Here's what I plan on doing.
1. Change all fluids (oil, tranny, front and rear diff, coolant).
2. Drain fuel and change fuel filter.
3. Check battery and replace if necessary.
4. Replace hoses and belts.

What else?

 

[WooHorn]

I went though this a few years back. Make sure you know what you are getting into. Even seemingly simple tasks like draining the fuel tank and differentials were a huge pain in the butt. Of course it is not realistic to change some hoses, so run the truck for a while before any long trips to check the old parts out. My high pressure power steering hose and one of my heater hoses were the first things to go out, which of course were the hoses I didn't replace. Also, my water pump bearing went out and the gasket leaked immediately. I guess some parts just dry up without use, so test those as well.

The only thing I think you missed was tires. They were the first things I replaced because my car wasn't stored properly (deflate tires and store on jack stands I guess). I'll bet that tires will go bad if they sit for two years on the ground.

 

[BigWill]

I would remove the spark plugs and squirt a bit of motor oil in each cylinder, and turn the engine over slowly by hand.

I would drain the tank, and fill with fresh gas. Bleed out the fuel lines.

Also, tires that have been sitting that long are scary.

So are the brakes. I hope that the master and wheel cylinders are OK.

 

[accuratehorn]

You might flush the brake fluid at all four wheels, or at least pay careful attention to how the brakes feel, then look for leaks at the wheel cylinders/disc brake calipers/master cylinder shortly after driving a short distance.
Fresh gas will probably be a necessity to start the engine.
The tires may not be round anymore-they may make a thumping sound, or feel like you are driving over a small stick every revolution they make.
Most items could be done after starting it the first time, but if you can squirt the oil in the cylinders through the plug holes, and put fresh gas in, you will be more likely to have success resurrecting the beast from the dead.

 

[bevosayshi]

In reply to:

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[Boozehound]

Not to beat a dead horse here, but definitely go for some fresh gas and maybe spin the oil pump with a drill-driver to circulate the motor oil before you kick it over for real. I'd also check/change the plugs as well as all the other fun things you mentioned.

 

[Lat22]

My Powerstroke, complete with heavy duty towstrap, will accompany the Bronco on it's maiden voyage to PINS. I hadn't thought about the water pump. I guarantee that it's shot. I'll definitely replace the plugs.

 

[CaboWabo]

Lat...time to call Bert.

 

[jmatt]

Just assume that anything made of rubber and any lubricants/hydraulic fluids are shot (don't be surprised if any oil-based ones are all gummy and sludgy) and that your carb/injectors is gummed up and you'll probably be okay.

Things you really ought to at least check:

Brake lines at the wheels (the rubber sections), and rubber seals or plugs, master and slave cylinders, gaskets, hoses, tires, wipers, shocks, differential oil, transmission fluid, oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, carburator float(if there is one), tubes to gauges (if any), fuel pump diaphragm, any boots on axles....

Electrical connections may be corroded, battery is probably shot, exhaust may be rusted, sensors may be clogged or corroded...

Check coolant for rust, take a look at your freeze plugs, thermostat may be shot, heater core might be clogged or shot.... A/C (if you have it or if you even care) is probably at the very least going to need recharging and a new drier.

Can you tell I just got my Mother-In-Law's car running after it sat for a couple of years?

 

[Lat22]

But I want to wear my pit crew jersey while I'm working on it.

 

[flaco]

If it is carburated most likely the fuel will have evaporated and turned to a gummy varnish. Carb rebuild would probably be in order unless you put some of that fuel stabilizer stuff in before parking it.