1971 Nova engine not started in 20 years

There is a 1971 Nova on eBay that hasn't been started in 20 years.

Is there a way to start this that will do the least amount of damage?

I've heard of removing the spark plugs and squirting a bunch
of oil in the cylinders. What about the carb? Any tricks?

Will the engine have any life left if it does start, or is it toast?

Thanks,

97Honda

You will be very lucky if it will turn over at all. The cylinders are most likely rusted above the rings. Even if only minor it will seize the engine. I would not attempt to turn it over as doing so could do serious damage if it did turn. Good Luck.

If you like the rest of the car just make sure to include the cost of a rebuild or new engine in the price your willing to pay for it. Then try starting it after first oiling the cylinders and turning it over several times by hand. Many people recommend using auto trans fluid for this. You'll also want to change the oil and spin the oil pump with a drill before trying to turn it. It probably won't run great but it may be good enough to drive for a while and decide what you want to do for a new motor. After all you really don't know how well it ran before. As for the carb I would just degunk it real good with carb cleaner and go for it.

If you must try to turn it over I have had luck in the past using a product called PB Blaster. Most Autoparts stores will have it.

If you must try to turn it over I have had luck in the past using a product called PB Blaster. Most Autoparts stores will have it.

I agree using PB Blaster to begin with is a good idea but I would still finish up with some type of oil (and turn it some more) before actually starting it. 97Honda, if you get the car let us know how you make out.

I agree using PB Blaster to begin with is a good idea but I would still finish up with some type of oil (and turn it some more) before actually starting it. 97Honda, if you get the car let us know how you make out.


Yeah, I should have given a better description of how I use the stuff. Put a good amount down each plug hole, then with the plugs still out, rotate the engine with a hand ratchet. You may need a breaker bar to start off, then put some light engine oil down the plug holes and continue to rotate. Once it turns smoothly you are on your way. Put the plugs back in and attempt to start. It will be hard to start due to the oil and PB blaster (and any other issues you may have) Good Luck.

Make sure you take the valve covers off and get some oil on the cam lobes and lifters. If you don't they are instantly toast. They'll get scored and flatten very quickly. If its an inline 6, chances are you can take the pushrod cover off and get some grease directly on the lobes. That would be great. If its a V8, just squirt some heavy oil from a can down beside the pushrods and make sure it hits the lobes.

Make sure you take the valve covers off and get some oil on the cam lobes and lifters. If you don't they are instantly toast. They'll get scored and flatten very quickly. If its an inline 6, chances are you can take the pushrod cover off and get some grease directly on the lobes. That would be great. If its a V8, just squirt some heavy oil from a can down beside the pushrods and make sure it hits the lobes.


Ditto. I forgot all about this since I keep thinking I would just tear it down all the way and rebuild it. It is also going to need new points, wires, and you will need to at least file the corrosion off the contacts in the distributor cap and rotor. I would imagine a carb rebuild will also be required to get it started.