Maverick has been sitting for ten years. What steps should I take?

Hello everyone,

My 1975 Maverick has been sitting for ten years without having been started. The previous owner parked it and just forgot that he owned it

What steps should I take before attempting to start the motor? Here is what I was thinking (please feel free to add anything or correct me if there are any bad ideas on my part):

1. Drain whatever gas is left in the tank via a hose and add a bottle of dry gas or similar gas treatment and then add fresh fuel (high octane).

2. Change motor oil.

3. Remove spark plugs and shoot liquid wrench, PB blaster, or some other lubricant down into the cylinder (transmission fluid has also been suggested).

4. Spray down the carb with cleaner and have some ether ready to go.

Does this sound like a good plan of attack?

 

where was it sitting..stored inside or just sitting in the open?

 

Unfortunately, stored out in the open.

 

Remove tank and clean it, rebuild carb, replace rubber fuel hoses, and new plugs, cap and wires, points if it has them would be the first steps before trying to start it. You may also want to replace the fuel pump, it's been my experience that the diaphragm goes bad after sitting for years.

 

Thanks MaverickDan.

If I were to remove the tank and rebuild the carb, that would require me to pay for the work because I just don't have the skills to do that on my own. I could see the need for both of those things, but it's just not going to happen unless I really run into a problem. I'm getting by on this project with a budget that most people spend on lunch a day.

Everything else sounds like something I can do (if I take my time and pop anxiety meds...lol).

I hope I get lucky on this one.

 

Procedure for starting Engine Sitting 10 years ,.

What you're planning sounds like it would work and I would add to that;
Take the Fuel Tank to a good Radiator Shop and have them clean it out properly. You'll probably need a new fuel pump also .. and don't forget to
change the Oil FILTER also when you change the Oil.. I would recommend Sea Foam Deep Creep for the cylinder lubricant .. and I wouldn't try to start it with a battery jump immediately .. remove the spark plugs and move it BY HAND FIRST !! After it moves easily .. THEN .. try the battery start. You'll no doubt need a Carb.Refreshing also before it will run properly..If the car is an Automatic, I would jack the car up .. get the rear wheels on jackstands and after the engine reaches normal temperature .. put it in gear and let the
transmission work its way back into normal function.. let it idle in gear and then brake .. then put it in reverse and do the same procedure . The C4 is a tough tranny but don't stress it right away.. Let the fluids penetrate the areas necessary before you put it "under load ". I'm sure you'll get lots more advice on procedures.. you just got mine for what it's worth.. I wish you success .

Cometized
( Chip )

 

I agree you will certainly need to clean the tank as well rebuild the carb. And don't worry about having no skills those you will aquire over time and with the help of many people on this board. There are a number of people here who are willing to walk you through any of this.

 

Dropping the tank is a pain, but not to much required in the skills department.
Points of concern when dropping it. the rubber gasket that the fill neck goes into, the o-ring for the sending unit and the rubber hose to the fuel line.

 

I just addressed my 01 Explorer that has been sitting for 5 years since I bought a new car in 09 - I parked the Explorer to use as a spare vehicle but wound up never needing it - looking under the car, the undercarriage, frame, drive shafts, A-frames, brake lines, fuel line all show signs of heavy corrosion build up and it was sitting in a paved driveway - I would take a good look at it from underneath before you go any further - I probably won't wind up keeping the Exploder because of the rust issues

 

not to be ,mean but if you are hesitant about dropping a tank in that car (its easy skill wise but still a pain as stated) maybe a 39 year old car isnt the right choice?

it was one of the easiest things i did to mine, i just replaced it. cleaning one is a PIA.


i would:

replace tank
replace rubber brake lines
replace master cyl & bleed (minimally)
battery (obvious)
rebuild carb
change oil
replace fuel filter and fuel pump
replace brakes
ALSO:
plan on (very soon) all heater hoses
heater core
belts
cleaning or replacing radiator
plan on new wheel cyls/brakeshoes/pads
mouse carcass removal

 

No offense taken! You ask a really good question. The honest answer.... my owning a 39 year old car is a terrible idea.

When I was a young child, I was diagnosed as having a learning disability and throughout most of my adult life, I believed it was a misdiagnosis. I wanted to believe that I had the same capabilities as everyone else and that the Doctor was a "quack". It wasn't until I was in my early thirties that I realized that I was just in denial.

You see, taking things apart is not the problem for me. It's remembering how to put them back together that is the challenge. Every nut, bolt, and step requires me to take photos, draw diagrams, and so much more. The most basic steps for everyone else turn into a nightmare for me. Don't worry, I do NOT have to wear a helmet everytime I try and work on a car.

In all seriousness, my learning disability does cause me some issues, especially when it comes to information retention. Plus, I have several shortcomings that include "lack of patience" and the ability to hurt myself with the most basic tools. Despite the challenges, my keen ability to utilize every four letter word while working on a car makes for some stellar entertainment.

I'm determined to stick with this project. Unfortunately, I will be the top poster here in no time. I've already jotted down a few thousand dumb questions!

 

with all this being said...I would check the "cowl" first. if there is an issue there...step away...
with your lack of knowledge, it would be best to have some to check this and any frame issues...rotted out floor pans is another issue.

no money and no skills is a bad combination when messing with an older car..

 

i get it. well, one thing thats going for you is the advent of digital cameras, that has to be a huge help.
That leaves your lack of patience and i think LOTS of us suffer from that from time to time.

Skill comes from experience and that just takes practice which you cant get if it never is tried. that being said, have at it. :bananaman and good luck. Patience will probably be the worst part. it is for me. lol.

 

You have no experience, so here is what I will add to that.

With no experience, and having to pay to get everything done, expect to spend a minimum of $2000 just to get the car road safe and drivable. NONE of this money will go toward appearances....so count on spending even more if you want it to look good.

Doesn't really sound like the car for you.

 

It has to be. My Maverick dream cannot die. It's this one or nothing.


I just found out that my car is a 1974. The seller told me it was a 75. I guess it doesn't matter much.

Let the fun begin!