Car has been sitting for 3 years. Putting her back on the road =)

[llmercll]

Hello everybody!!

I have an old 1985 honda accord that I'd like to get back on the road. It hasn't been started for 3 years, but was working fine last time I started her up (besides some worn brake pads). She's been sitting in my garage, at least, and not outside =p

Anyway, I've never had to bring a car back from 3 years of sitting and wondering what you guys would recommend before even attempting to start her up.

I would guess..

1.new battery
2.new oil + filter
3.new gas and possibly some gas additive
4.checking the coolant levels possibly even changing that altogether

Thanks a lot!!

[Nissanliefhebber]

What i would do is drain all the old gas, after three years it could be clocked with residu and fill op your filter.

[llmercll]

thanks for the advice =)

Can I empty the fuel by simply disconnecting to the hose to the filter and letting it drain?

thank you!

[Moppie]

Welcome to AF, I've move this to a different forum where you can get some more technical answers


After 3 years there is a lot that could have gone wrong, but you have 2 things in your favour: It was kept in your garage, and an 85 accord is a pretty simple car

Changing all the fluids is a good place to start.

You will also need to change the brake fluid, but before doing so replace those worn pads and use it as an opportunity to inspect the calipers and rear pistons.These may need rebuilding or replacing.
Brakes suffer the most from non use, and are the last thing you want to fail

Look for rust as well, hopefully keeping inside will have save it from any, but these cars were excellent at going rusty, and you would be amazed where it can grow.
Check under the car, around the chassis rails and suspension attachment points, as well window edges etc.


Before you start it for the first time it's a good idea to turn the engine by hand a few times with a spanner on the crank, just to make sure nothing has stuck.
Then crank it a few times with the coil unplugged to build oil pressure before starting it.

I don't know if fuel will drain easily from the filter, unless it's had one fitted under the car?
If the tank is nearly empty you can just add 20ltrs of fresh fuel which will dilute any bad fuel, then add some meths to remove any water.

[llmercll]

Thanks a lot for the help!

I was thinking of changing the brake pads and fluid after I got the engine running. That should be ok, right?

Also, I'm looking at what oil to buy, and wondering if I should stick to conventional oil or a high mileage oil. Is the extra cost worth it in any way? The car has about 300k miles, rofl.

[llmercll]

bump!!

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by llmercll

bump!!

No need to bump, things on forums don't always happen instantly


If you get it started on the old oil, don't run it for longer than a couple of minutes.
It may or may not have broken down to a level where it is unable to properly do it's job, and you never really know what may have solidified in it.