Volkswagen: starting stored engine, turkey baster, marvels mystery oil

Question
Just bought a 72 Ghia that was in storage for the last 6 years.  What steps should I take before trying to start it up?

Thanks.

Answer
Hi Jim,

CONGRATULATIONS!

FUEL SYSTEM:

1) Drain out all of the old gasoline.
2) Take off the carb. and clean it out with gumout, don't totally disassemble it yet, it may be fine.
3) Change the fuel filter.
4) Put a very good gasoline additive in the tank, than fill it up w/93+ octane gas.
5) Check all of the fuel lines, use a flashlight and gently bend them.  Look for cracks.  I personally wouldn't even take a chance, and would just replace the fuel lines, the hose is cheap enough, but I've seen it done both ways.

IGNITION SYSTEM:

1) Replace points, cap, rotor, wires, plugs, condenser.
2) When the plugs are out, take a turkey-baster or syringe and shoot about 3 tablespoons of oil into the cylinder before putting in the new plugs.

LUBRICATION SYSTEM/COOLING:

1) Adjust the valves, the Bentley catalogue has the exact directions, and it is an easy thing to do.  The gap is .006
2) Get 3 oil change kits (strainer, gaskets, washers etc.)
3) Drain the oil and add Marvels Mystery oil (or a similar oil treatment to the first fill of new oil).

RUNNING:

1) Run the engine for no longer than 10 minutes... don't drive it yet.  Drain the oil, change the strainer -- make sure there are no shavings or junk stuck in there.
Time the engine according to the specs in the Bentley book, or by looking online.

2) Repeat this process (except timing) until the engine runs 10-15 minutes and the oil is nice and clear.

3) This sounds like overkill, but it really isn't.  If you don't flush out the lubrication system several times, gum in the valve guides can leave them stuck open, and you'll than have to take the motor apart.

BRAKES/DRIVING:

1) Make sure your tires aren't cracked, or worn.  The car may vibrate if it hasn't been rolled around, as it's been sitting in the same position for 6 years -- the tires may be out of round.

2) Check your brakes and fluid.  The front brake pads can easily be checked by taking off the front wheel and you can see how much padding is left on them. A little rust on the rotors is OK, and can be cleaned off with steel wool or a little wet sand paper.  Heavy rust may require having them turned or replacing them outright.

3) On the back, you can remove the little rubber plug behind the wheel and peer in and see how much meat is left on the rear shoes.  (Fronts are disc brakes, rears are drums on a Ghia)

4) Each wheel has a rubber brake hose to allow for flexibility when the car turns, hits a bump, etc.  Do the 'bend test' and make sure there are no cracks in them.  If there are, replace them as well.

5) The car should stop perfectly straight, if it pulls to one side, check the front brake calipers for possible malfunction.

6) Drive slowly, avoiding lugging the engine.

7) ENJOY YOURSELF --- you have a new GHIA!


This whole process should cost you less than $75.00. (unless you need new tires, calipers, drums, discs, etc. -- which you shouldn't)

Let me know if you have any further questions.  

Ron