got new battery for old car, it wont start

[Cataclysm]

I got an old car from my parents (just got my license.) and I need to fix it up. It's an 82 jetta diesel.

I got the battery in and the clock inside the car started working but when I tried starting it the engine wouldn't turn and the clock stopped. I turned the keys back and the clock started again. Tried using the headlights and the same thing happened. my dad tried messing with the fusebox and the engine turned for a half a second. He thinks it has something to do with the fuses/relays. I've got a multimeter and I'm going to use it to check the electrical system but I'm honestly in over my head.



Any ideas what it might be or what I can check to figure it out?

[Cataclysm]

Well, I fixed it. I still can't believe it worked, but I pounded the dash 4 or 5 times and now the engine turns and the electrical system works again.

Since the car's been sitting for almost 3 years I'm going to replace the fuel filter, air filter, and change out the oil, brake fluid, and antifreeze. Should I get the diesel out of the tank too and replace it or can I get away with putting additives in it? Is there anything else I need to do that I'm not thinking of?

[vgames33]

Don't expect the pounding on the dash thing to hold up for long. You have a loose wire in there somewhere. I'd look for a set of wiring diagrams for the car. Look for a common ground or power feed for all the components that didn't work.

Tune up wise, change the fluids, check the brakes, etc. If there's only a small amount of diesel in the tank, I would just make sure to fill the tank before driving it and not let it run low on fuel for a while.

[Cataclysm]

Update: I just put in a pint of oil and the car started. I only left it on for a few seconds. Just long enough to make sure it worked.

I got the Oil filter and I'm gonna pick up the fuel filter tomorrow.

The car needs some new brake lines for the front so I'm going to order those tomorrow when I pickup the fuel filter. And I'm going to take a closer look at what's under the dash and find that loose connection.

My dad told me that the alternator and drive belts need replacing because the cars been sitting so long. Is that true?

[mark_gober]

You should look at the belts to see what condition they are in. If they look good and don't squeal, I might pass. If you want to have absolute certainty that they are new, change them. The alternator doesn't go bad simply based on age, it goes bad with use. Unless there is a reason to replace it, I'd pass. As far as the diesel, I'd change it. I'm not sure how long it's been sitting, but unless it's less than a 1/3 of a gallon or so, I would NOT risk it. Emptying the tank will be somewhat painful depending on how much fuel is in there and where it's located. If it's nearly empty, you can do it with just one person, if it's full, you'll probably need two people to help you steady it. Dump the old fuel and put new in. Old diesel will gum up your whole fuel system and you'll be in for a much larger job. Trust me, take the two/three hours to do that and know that you've got good fuel. From that point on, you'll always have good new fuel.

Good luck.

Mark

[Cataclysm]

question, do I need to pull out the tank and empty it or can I just siphon it all out? And what do I do with all the old fluids?