Re: Checklist for startup after 10-month unplanned hiatus
Do not turn the motor over, even hand crank. Especially, if ethanol gas drain about a quart of gas out of the gas tank, let it sit and check if there is separation or water in the gas, check the sediment bowl for water. If yes drain the entire tank, leave the gas cap off and let the tank dry, then fresh gas. Also drain the carb bowl before adding fresh gas. Had water in my tank once after filling up at a station, 5 miles down the road sputtered, backfired, and finally would not start/run. When I got it going again went back to the station and a tanker was filling the underground tank - so I must have got the bottom of the underground tank. I had unpleasant words with the manager, and reported them to the State.
Check the dipstick for water, drain about a quart of oil and check for contamination. A small amount should not hurt anything, condensation in the oil should burn off if you run the car for a half hour/hour as long as the motor gets up above 160 degrees coolant temp.
Contaminated gas can cause a lot of extra effort.
|