Starting Up a 911 After Long Storage

[csawyer]

My 911S has been in storage for a decade while I was working in Europe. Before laying her up in a dehumidified garage in a rental house I own, I fogged the engine with storage oil. The engine turns over freely by hand, but I haven't tried to start it yet.

The engine was built by Franz Blam just 3000 miles ago so I don't want to screw it up. Here is what I'm planning to do:

Drain all the fuel out. Either syphon, or isn't there a drain plug in those fuel tanks?
Replace fuel filter
Change the oil and filter
Pull out the plugs spray in a little fogging oil
Turn over the engine a few times with the plugs out
Plugs back in
Then fire it up!

Does this sound like a reasonable procedure, or did I miss something?

[silverc4s]

That's probaably more work than is needed. I would do the oil and filter, drain the tank and add some fresh 93 octane. Then if you have already turned it over and witnessed oil pressure, just start it up.
If there are only 3000 miles on a fresh rebuild it may need the valves adjusted. I am assuming MFI, not carbs, correct?

[4SFED]

I had the same questions... you have a good list there. The oil from the sump tank can drain down into the crank case over time. It's a good idea to change it. Changing the fuel filter is obviously a good idea. I would buy two and change it again in 500 miles or so. Here's a link to a thread I started on the Bird with the same question.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...g-storage.html

Good luck! And we need pictures!!!

[csawyer]

That's probaably more work than is needed. I would do the oil and filter, drain the tank and add some fresh 93 octane. Then if you have already turned it over and witnessed oil pressure, just start it up.
If there are only 3000 miles on a fresh rebuild it may need the valves adjusted. I am assuming MFI, not carbs, correct?

Thanks!

Yes, it's a 2.2 liter 911S, so Bosch mechanical fuel injection. I worry about what happens to gasoline after standing that long in the lines and filters. But I guess I'll drain everything I can get to and hope for the best.

[csawyer]

I had the same questions... you have a good list there. The oil from the sump tank can drain down into the crank case over time. It's a good idea to change it. Changing the fuel filter is obviously a good idea. I would buy two and change it again in 500 miles or so. Here's a link to a thread I started on the Bird with the same question.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...g-storage.html

Good luck! And we need pictures!!!

Thanks! That's a good idea about the subsequent filter change. I'll do that :thumb:

I'll post photos, too

[silverc4s]

I just recommissioned my 2.2 L MFI S after sitting covered on my garage lift for about 4 years. We did not change the fuel filter or drain any gas except the actual tank, which was bad but not watery or rusty in any way. We spray primed the inlets a bit after the refill of the tank and it fired right away.
That's why I say not to mess with the back end of the fuel system. Just as likely to create a leak or other problem as to fix something...

[304065]

If it's been sitting for ten years, there is probably varnish built up inside the MFI pump, unless you filled the pump with mystery oil before storage. If you hit the starter and the pump is gummed up, things inside are going to break. I would pour some B12 inside the pump cylinders and let it sit, try to dissolve any deposits first, before turning it over.

When I stored my race car for four years I pickled the MFI pump in Marvel Mystery oil and then carefully drained it, refilled with gas and started it back up, ran great.

[silverc4s]

OP says the engine turns freely by hand... That is basis for my recommends. You can of course do a lot more to be sure.

[Flieger]

The MFI pump relies on a tight clearance between the plungers and bores. I would think that over time the fuel would leak past the un-sealed gap and into the oil system before it would turn to varnish. In order for it to evaporate it would have to push the liquid back into the tank.

[911quest]

Drain and refill the gas. Charge the battery say a few kind words to the Porsche gods and turn the key.