New to forum and 914's, first engine start in 30 years? Options

[Fleetwood914]

Hey guys, new to the forum with very little 914 working knowledge.

Helping my dad get his '72 914-4 back to drivable condition after lying dormant for almost 30 years, mostly thanks to me being born. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Pretty familiar with wrenching on my own car, '95 Caprice 9C1. Yes, the cop car...
Got it setup for autoX/track days, hoping to eventually help my dad do the same with his 914.


What should be done for proper prep before trying to start the car for the first time in 30 years?

Pull spark plugs and get some penetrating oil down the cylinders?

Any way to turn the oil pump with a drill or anything like that?

Obviously draining the tank and fresh gas, but will build up and varnish be an issue even with fresh gas?

Best way to turn the motor over by hand to make sure things are moving freely? Dad says there is a nut on the fan, attached to crank that would probably work? Direction to turn?

Not at all familiar with these engines or starting long dormant cars.

Any info or advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Here is a pic with Dad from Christmas after unearthing the car from 30 years worth of junk piled on and around it.

[cwpeden]

I, along with most, recommend replacing the fuel lines, Fuel injection seals, vacumm lines.....pretty much all thing gas related. The last thing you want is to start the car for the first and last time in 30 yrs because its burnt to the ground.

I'll see if I can find a link to a checklist for you. This had been done a few times recently.

Oh, the alternator belt too. I thought an engine was seized and it was a petrified alt. belt.

[Fleetwood914]

I, along with most, recommend replacing the fuel lines, Fuel injection seals, vacumm lines.....pretty much all thing gas related. The last thing you want is to start the car for the first and last time in 30 yrs because its burnt to the ground.

I'll see if I can find a link to a checklist for you. This had been done a few times recently.

Oh, the alternator belt too. I thought an engine was seized and it was a petrified alt. belt.

Thank you!

I have a lot of searching and thread reading ahead of me!

Dad dug out all of his old 914 books, magazines and manuals tonight, so gonna be busy scanning that stuff too.

Any of those things you listed particularly tricky to R&R or find parts for?

TIA!
-Brian