A year or more since I last started my 4Runner. Looking for guidance

[airbag]

I have an old 4runner I would like to start up. Its a 1999 V6 3.4 Limited with around 250,000mi. It was my old daily driver and its been sitting under a tree in the lot for a long time. I last started it up and drove probably a year or more ago and have not attempted to fire it up since.

So I went and bought:

2x 5qt containers of oil
2x oil filters
New air filter
Octane booster
Coolant

The engine oil was changed about 2 months before I had it shut down if that helps, so there shouldn't be many "miles" on it but there are a few years so I am worried about that situation. A guy at work told suggested I change the oil twice and that the fuel in the tank is probably no good.

Do any of you have suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[CentralFL4Runner]

I'd also replace the plugs, fuel filter, and like you said drain the gas. Hopefully it didn't affect the injectors and seals. Coolant is another thing to think about, as it does break down over time. And then of course the battery.

Im just on my phone while waiting at work, so im sure others will chime in with other things to think about.

 

[Park]

How much fuel is in the tank? Definitely put some new gas in there and changing your oils, not a bad idea either. Your battery is probably flat too. Other than that I bet it fires right up, so long as you didnt have any mechanical issues with it when it was parked. Once you get it running then youll probly want to do a fluid check, coolant, pwr steering, diff oil etc. Good luck

 

[jeremyc74]

You'll want fresh fuel in there (I'd just add more instead of draining what's in there personally), and an oil change sooner rather than later, but everything is probably fine. My RV sits for months at a time without starting, and it's never been a problem.

Obviously you want to check all your fluid levels and tire pressures and whatnot, but there's not too much that will help after the fact. If you're going to park it for an extended period again you should consider some fuel stabilizer at the very least.

 

[airbag]

Thanks. Do you all suggest I drain and refill the oil once before trying to start it and then do it again? That was suggested to me by someone but I'm not sure if its overkill. If you all think its necessary, should I change the filter both times as well?

 

[BrianSD_42]

I think the oil drain is overkill but draining out the gas is probably a good idea.

In 2005 I left my 97 4Runner for a 9 month deployment, came back and it started up just fine.

That was over 100,000 miles ago and its still running.

 

[MandAtaco]

I'd just check the oil and other fluids to make sure they looks ok. The fuel is probably going to be the worst issue. Drain it if you can, or put some new on top and start her up.

 

[airbag]

I'll grab a container tomorrow and drain the gas.

 

[Nervo19]

I'm not sure if the '90 has a drain hole on the gas tank but if it does I'd caution against opening it. I've read of many who end up with a slow leak. You can get a hand pump for about $5.99 in the auto section of Walmart. For gas that's only a year old I'd probably just put in 5 gallons of fresh gas. I'd pull each spark plug and inject about 1/2 ounce of Marvel Mystery oil, or even plain engine oil, in each cylinder the day before you start it.

 

[BrianSD_42]

You guys are so cautious. It's a third gen. Just change the gas, charge battery and it will start right up. Mine did.

 

[MandAtaco]

Yup, she'll start.

 

[airbag]

Good fuel sounds like the most popular suggestion but they're all good. Thanks everyone.

 

[cashmoney]

I'd drain the oil. Moisture probably collected in there and that's not something you want running through your engine. But no since in doing it twice.