What do you think?

[coolnoob]

I'll be getting my hands on a 1991 Acura Integra with 180K with a manual trans. However the past 3 winters has been sitting outside untouched. However it was mechanically checked to be in a very good condition at the time it was parked.

I am wondering what damage would be incurred from just sitting there and any concerns of driving it to get it serviced or should I get it towed? Thanks.

[pepsihatman]

I would definatly change the oil before you start it, perhaps inspect the spark plugs and wires to make sure those work. Make sure the brakes work, and no liquids are leaking, such as coolant. Other than that... dunno.

[Blitz_Runner]

make sure there arent any little critters living in the engine bay. my friend started up his crx that had been sitting for about 1 1/2 years and there was a nest around the engine and it started on fire. it was funny but not so good. pepsihatman covered everything else.

[Schister66]

i would check to see if the gas fermented by sitting so long. If it did, you'll need to flush the fuel system. Other than that i don't have any other suggestions.

My uncle started an old farm truck that had been parked in a barn nex to some bags of dog food, and when he started it, chunks of dog food came shooting out of the exhaust. Mice had carried them into the exhaust pipe since it was parked so close to the food.

[knorwj]

fermented gas? never heard of such a thing.




I would check the tires. especially if you plan on driving it home. In 3 years time dry rotting can occur and you wouldn't want a tire to blow out and crash the car the first time you drive it would you?

[pepsihatman]

I know gas can settle if left for a long time like that. Don't know what that means, but I think then the gas won't combust.

[Blitz_Runner]

thats just about what happens, the gas loses the flamable part of it (the flash point) and it will burn but not very well. if it has been sitting that long it is crappy for sure. it will run an engine but not very well. if the talk isnt topped off to the top try putting some high octane gas in it. i bought a project car that was sitting for a little over 3 years and it had all the probs that have been posted.

[Schister66]

If the gas is left sitting too long it will ferment and become almost like a varnish. It doesn't burn very well, but it still does burn. That is why companies make fuel additives like Sta-Bil which you are supposed to put in before storing your car, boat or RV.

[pepsihatman]

Technically fermentation pertains to the changing of sugar to alcohol by process of a catalyst like yeast or bacteria. So I don't think that gas "ferments" but it does do something over time that makes it harder to combust.

[coolnoob]

lots of replies. very much appreciated. i think i'll err on the side of safetly and have this baby towed to a service station. thx.