Starting a vehicle that's sat for 5+ years?

[Clemsonfan15]

We have a little 1994 S10 pickup that's been sitting in the garage taking up space for a while, probably 10+ years. The last time that is was driven was in 2007 and that was just for a couple of miles.

We're trying to get it running so we can do something with it.

We put a new battery in and of course it wouldn't crank. It tried, but no luck. Then we started spraying ether in the carb and it would start, but would die anywhere from 2-5 seconds. Even if we gave it gas it would still die. I think it was just burning the ether.

Do you think the gas has gone bad sitting in there that long?

What steps would y'all take to try and get it running?

 

[orange]

Engine oil and tranny fluid.

Also.. start it in neutral

We have a little 1994 S10 pickup that's been sitting in the garage taking up space for a while, probably 10+ years. The last time that is was driven was in 2007 and that was just for a couple of miles.

We're trying to get it running so we can do something with it.

We put a new battery in and of course it wouldn't crank. It tried, but no luck. Then we started spraying ether in the carb and it would start, but would die anywhere from 2-5 seconds. Even if we gave it gas it would still die. I think it was just burning the ether.

Do you think the gas has gone bad sitting in there that long?

What steps would y'all take to try and get it running?

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Those two components wouldn't effect it starting would it?

I'm thinking we're going to have to siphon out a good portion of the gas and put some new gas in there.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

We drained as much of the old gas out as we could. 6 gallons at least. It was pretty dark in color. 2 gallons looked dark brown and even black.

We then put in some fresh gas 1-2 gallons and tried to start it. No luck.

At this point I'm not even sure if gas is reaching the injectors or if they are clogged.

Think changing the fuel filter would do anything?

 

[JohnsD90]

It's carb so floor it when your starting it, i would put some dry gas in it and dump some gas in the carb as well, i would bypass the fuel filter to get it running, changing the oil could help, but i would concentrate on flooring it while starting and getting the fuel moving through the system.

And last i checked Carburated vehicles dont have fuel injectors.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Yeah, you're right. My bad.

I changed the fuel filter today. No luck.

After I put the new filter in and cranked it a few times I decided to see if any fuel was going through the filter. So I unscrewed the fittings and now fuel came out.

Wouldn't this mean that the fuel was not being send through the system? AKA-bad fuel pump.

 

[pink_mazda09]

Yeah, you're right. My bad.

I changed the fuel filter today. No luck.

After I put the new filter in and cranked it a few times I decided to see if any fuel was going through the filter. So I unscrewed the fittings and now fuel came out.

Wouldn't this mean that the fuel was not being send through the system? AKA-bad fuel pump.

Good thing you changed the fuel filter and have your oil changed, as it will help ensure good lubrication when the engine starts. Have you check the master cylinder? Or might as well check all the auto parts of your 1994 S10 before attempting a test drive.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Part of the problem was the fuel pump. Changed it out today and she fired right up. There is a new problem though. After idling for 20 seconds it will sort of die down and then rev up and then die down again. It will do this until it idles too low and cuts off.

If I give it gas it would idle forever.

What should I check?

 

[DaveS]

My guess is the carb needs cleaning out thoroughly.

 

[cfranck1]

The newer gas with this Ethanol in it only has about 6-8 month shelf life. The main thing is that is absorbs enormous amounts of moisture compared to the normal NON Ethanol gasoline.

Being a 1994, I doubt it has a carburetor. It may look like one but it is called Throttle-body injection (TBI).

Put some Isopropyl alcohol based dry gas and some fuel injector cleaner and some fresh gas. Dump it in the tank and see what happens.
The old gas probably smelled like varnish being that old?