Getting my Rabbit started after 8 years of sitting.

[CARTRUCK MAN]

I have been out of the country for the last 8 years and my 83 LX has been sitting. some of the time it was in a storage unit and some of the time it was outside. electrically every things seems to be fine. I am looking for some advise to best treat her after our separation!! I have changed the spark plugs and when you spray starter fluid in the engine it kicks over like it is going to start but i think when the starter fluid burns off it doesnt fire any more. the engine cranks great but never starts. I have a feeling that the gas must be bad after all of those years. what is the best way to try and clean out the injection system or fuel line?? I am somewhat new to car repair so no answer is to insignigant!!

[lucho1979]

Hello,


You might try to change the fuel filter first, then drain the tank. Filler up with fresh fuel. Once you get it running done, seafoam it. A mixture of 1/3 of a can in you fuel tank should be good. That will cleanout any gummed up fuel in the system. Check your fuel pump for functionality. Check fuel pump relay as well. hopefully these things will gt your car running again.

[shawng]

I sure hope you changed the oil before you began cranking it. Also, DON'T use starter fluid. It washed down the cylinder walls of all traces of oil. I would also change the coolant and flush the brake fluid and replace. Also check all the vacuum lines for cracks.