Returning a stored car to service

[Brady Moffatt]

If you didn't change the oil right when you put it away, I'd change it
before startup.

Then pull the plugs, disable fuel and spark, and crank away til you get oil
pressure. With no compresssion pressure, the rings will not be pushing hard
on the cylinder walls, so the wear is minimal. The starter also has a very
easy job of it with the plugs out. If you want, pull the valve cover and
give the cam a bath in oil, that's good too. Of course, replace valve cover
before cranking!

Then, when you reconnect everything, when it starts, watch for fuel leaks
like a hawk. Any other leaks are obviously also important, but the fuel
leaks are the ones that scare me.

Of course, check all levels, and pump up the tires. The first drive is
always an excercise for your senses. I try to especially hard to pick up odd
noises, smells, vibrations, smoke. And you can ignore power levels for the
first tank of gas. Even with fuel stabilizer, it mever seems quite as good
as fresh gas.

My $0.02CDN.

Cheers,
Brady

-----Original Message-----
From: radek at istar.ca [mailto:radek at istar.ca]

Just wondering if anything could be done to ease the return of a car from
storage to
service.  It sat in 
the garage without being started for at least 6 months.  Can I spray some
WD-40 into the
cylinders, 
like I do with the chainsaw in the spring?  The cylinder walls, bearings
etc. must be dry
and I'd like to 
minimize wear on these parts.
Thanks

Radek
88 90Q
91 V8Q 5-sp.