No Power Under 1500 RPM

[PaulyWally]

I have a 2001 Saturn that has been sitting outside, covered with snow, with a 1/2 tank of gas, for 4 months. I was forced to move it on short notice and with little resources to do any meaningful work on it.

I pulled the plugs, dropped about a tablespoon of combustion chamber cleaner in each cylinder, turned the engine 1 or 2 revolutions, and let it sit for a few minutes. Turn it some more, let it sit. Turned it some more, let it sit.

Then I tried starting it... which was extremely difficult. I would get some weak putters, but she just didn't want to start. I sprayed starter fluid directly into the butterfly valve, and that didn't even seem to have an effect. Finally, after trying for almost a half hour, she started up... VERY slowly and rough.

I drove her about 15 minutes on streets, and she had great difficulty off the line every time. But around 1200-1500 RPM, the power would pick up. This didn't seem to get better at all during the drive. I haven't started her since.

Our gas has ethanol in it. So I'm sure that isn't helping... and might be the sole problem. I know I SHOULD drain it. But it's something I've never done before, and would rather not have to buy 5 gallons of containers that I'll never use again... and then dispose of 5 gallons of gas.

My first question is: is there anything I can do to use up the old gas?

My second question is: is there anything else I should look at besides the gas?

Finally: After she's regained (most of) her power, what are some things I can do to "clean out" the fuel system?

Any other thoughts are appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[maxwedge]

4 months storage should not cause any gasoline issues. I would check for rodent invasion under the hood, look for a nest in the air intake and such.

[shorod]

Was the engine running roughly below 1500 rpms, then smoothing out above that? Do you know what a misfire feels like, and if so, would that be a description consistent of what you are noticing?

-Rod

[vgames33]

The hard starting was likely due to a flooded condition from the cleaner you poured in.

Is the engine light on? Does it smoke at all? How far did you drive?

The fuel should be fine. Top off the tank and run it. A filter change wouldn't hurt.