91 240sx : Where to start? been sitting for 2 years!

[.:WRX:.]

Bought a 91 240sx that had been sitting for 2 plus years. Where do i start to bring this baby back to life? I have changed the oil and cleaned all of the leaves, bugs and spiders out and all of the interior except for the dash which is in pretty good condition. It seems that the electrical system works, headlights, signals and the air even blows . It will not turn over with the battery and jump. I would love to get this thing going so i can put less miles on my WRX.

Modified by .:WRX:. at 7:51 PM 10/31/2005
Modified by .:WRX:. at 8:32 AM 11/6/2005

[SlidnSideways]

Did u check for spark? Try to test out the plugs and wires. Also, ive heard something about gas losing octane or something like that as it sits. Perhaps that may have happened and now the gas isnt strong enough to spark? Not sure how truthful that is but just throwing out ideas.

--Tim--

[.:WRX:.]

Thanks for the start. I wish i knew as much about cars as i do computers, but oh well. I am trying to get a repair manual since i have like zero knowledge about cars other than changing brakes and oil and other minor things. This going to be my first project car. It was in pretty bad condition when i found it. No rear window and full of bugs and leaves not to mention 2 inches of water in the spare tire compartment. Thanks again for your help. If you know anyone with a 1991 240sx repairmanual on CD have them contact me.

[Rusted_PS13]

start by replacing that rear window, was the motor running before it was stored for the 2 plus years?

[s13sr20chris]

repair manual is available at zeroyon.com

the engine wont turn over at all? get a 27mm socket and long breaker bar. try to turn the crankshaft bolt inside the crank pulley.(clockwise)

if motor spins CONGRATS she aint locked up and we can go from there.

[.:WRX:.]

Thanks for all the advice i plan to keep this updated pretty regular. I want to thankyou for the great link. I lived in Newport News when i was in the navy. The rear hatch window is wrapped with a tarp and is not really attached so it comes off easily for cleaning it out and getting the old mildew smell out of it.
Modified by .:WRX:. at 9:04 PM 10/30/2005

[le_ryan]

[QUOTE=.:WRX:.]Bought a 91 240sx that had been sitting for 2 plus years. Where do i start to bring this baby back to life?[QUOTE=.:WRX:.]

dont start it in the garage,,,,,it may smoke im sorry, i had to!!

[slipnfall]

I agree with chris, but in addition:

siphon the remaining gas out of the tank. 2years old, it's gonna be hard to start anyways. Get yourself some SeaFoam to dump in there, help clean the internals up a bit. Injectors 'nozzles' may be stuck also, so if you can't get it to start, pull the injectors(have a set of o-rings ready to replace the old ones with) and verify they are pumping gas.

After you work out getting it to start, change *all* the fluids, including brake, clutch, power steering. Your brake calipers stand a good chance of being siezed, or close to it. A rebuild might be possible, that's just something you're going to have to tear into to find out.

I went through the same thing: my coupe sat for 2years in PA weathers, with broken windows. It takes some time, but a little effort goes a long way. Email me if you have any specefic questions(that you can't find answers to here).

HTH, don't be too overwhelmed, just stick to the basics for now to resurect it.

[.:WRX:.]

I have dropped the fuel tank and disposed of the remaining fluid in the tank. My brother gave me a bottle of seafoam so i plan to use it. The inside of the tank has like a salty type build up. I was planning to clean it as best as i can and then rinse with a solvent like laquer thinner then air dry a couple days. I am plugging away at it steadily. I don't plan to put any carpeting back in, maybe just RHINO line it. Unfortunately i do not know what i have to do check for spark? I'm sure it's really easy but when you don't do it very often the good ol memory loss thing kicks in. What was i talking about anyway. Thanks for the advice once again guys hopefully i can pass the knowledge on as well.

[slipnfall]

Well before you check for spark, do as Chris suggested, and make sure the engine isn't seized. The pulley is on the crank, just above the oil pan. You can get to it from above, but it's much easier from underneith(with lower splash shield removed).... or is the engine actually cranking, but just won't start?

[.:WRX:.]

Got it started now i guess it sounds like a thrown rod cause there is some awful ticking or knocking. Should i look for another engine?

[slipnfall]

May very well be: the way you describe it, it's pretty loud? Metal to metal sounding? These engines have a problem with upper timing chain guides/tensioners, that will make some nasty sounds.

[.:WRX:.]

Got it started but it does sound like a rod knockin. My wetback buddy (he is cool with that) is going to help me put in another engine. I want to put in another ka 24de until i can afford to do the sr20 swap. Since that seems to be the better way to go for a low milage replacement. It should be pretty easy to find a used cheap KA first.

I used to live in Denbiegh (spelling?). Had a 88 toyota supra turbo back in like 92-94.

Here's a pic while @ NOPI 05 I hope you enjoy!!!!!!!