There are several issues to consider when starting a Jeep that has not been running for an extended period of time. Among these are stale fuel, insufficient engine lubrication and deterioration or damage to gaskets, wiring, belts and hoses. Damage from rodents and other animals may also be present. Failure to address these items prior to starting the Jeep can cause engine damage, fire and personal injury. With a few simple precautions, a Jeep that has not been running for years can be started and run safely. What parts may need to be replaced will vary considerably.
Check under the hood. Inspect thoroughly for rodent nests, wasp nests and other animal materials that will interfere with engine operation or pose a fire hazard. Be sure to look inside the air cleaner and exhaust pipe, using a flashlight as needed. Remove any foreign materials by hand. Use a shop vac as needed.
Inspect all accessory belts, hoses, wiring, vacuum and fuel lines for deterioration or animal damage. Replace as necessary. Check the engine coolant level and top off as needed.
Change the engine oil and the oil filter. Disconnect the ignition coil wiring so the engine will not fire (specific method will vary by vehicle). Crank the engine with the starter to circulate oil in the engine. Reconnect ignition wiring.
Add fresh fuel to the tank. If the tank is full of old fuel, you can try running the vehicle on the old gasoline. It may work fine. If it doesn't, you may need to drain and refill the fuel tank.
Start the engine. Look for any obvious leaks of fluid such as oil, coolant or fuel. In the event of fuel leaks, shut off the engine immediately. Also shut off the engine right away if you see excessive oil or coolant leaks. Examine the length of the exhaust system for leaks or blockage. Look for smoke, which may reveal hidden rodent nests in exhaust manifolds, heat shielding or the exhaust system.
Shut off the engine and repair or replace leaking or damaged parts as needed.
Inspect for leaks daily for the first few weeks of driving. Pay careful attention to fuel system components, as gaskets and seals tend to dry out and deteriorate over time. After a few days or weeks, fuel can soak through and begin to leak, presenting a fire hazard. Replace leaking fuel system components before doing any more driving.
