C70: Start up after years unused.

[Chrispy01]

I have a 1998 c70 t5 auto petrol (88k) that has been sat for over six years and I'd really appreciate some advice before attempting to turn the engine over.

I've installed a battery and have got a bundle of data from the motronic (4.4) using the '850 obd-II' app and I'll decifer that first to see if there are any error codes.

Assuming that is ok, and all fluids, belts are ok, should I turn the engine over manually a few times first to help distribute oil that has settled? Is fogging oil in the cylinders a good idea? I've never worked on a engine with a turbo before, is there something I should consider there?

The petrol gauge is right at the bottom, so I'm planning add fresh fuel to dilute whatever remains.

The only problem that I know of before she was parked up, was a parasitic drain on the battery, which I'll obviously need to address if I can get her running.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[CNGBiFuel]

Fresh fluids/belts. Most things should be fine, only if the brakes are not seized on, consider yourself lucky... might be precautionary to spin it over without plugs for a while to move oil around, then plod on.

Depending on how old the fluid was when it was left, brown/black now?? I predict 1-2 calipers, maybe the MC, and perhaps the ABS unit. Still 'amberish'? You'll get away with it. Fluid goes to acid pretty quick, and if it's not been moving, brake systems won't tolerate it. Definitely, definitely don't push that pedal too far down!

[Chrispy01]

Thanks CNGBiFuel, much appreciated. I'd fitted a repair kit (inc pistons) to both front calipers not too long before she was laid up and bled quite a bit of the brake fluid at that time...it def looks amberish so I'm hopeful on that score.

[ITSv40]

As CNG above.

Definitely fit a new timing belt as the current one will be 'set' Drain the oil - I would leave the plug out overnight - and change the filter. Remove the spark plugs and put a teaspoon of oil in each bore and remove the fuel pump fuse. Spin the engine over on the starter until the oil light goes out. Replace the plugs - preferably new - and the fuel pump fuse and try to start it. Once you have it running and ready for the MOT, change the oil and filter again and you should be good to go.

[rudi dudi]

Some sensible advice above… However spinning it over on the starter is a definite NO NO if it’s sat for that long.
ALWAYS!!!!! Turn an engine that’s sat for years over by hand first!!!
Get a socket on the crank pulley and see if it turns with the plugs out.Diesel and Atf down the bores .

[Chrispy01]

Thanks for that rudi, I'll definitely crank it by hand first. Can I ask what you mean by Atf?

[rudi dudi]

Automatic transmission fluid.
This isn’t essential if you dont have any too hand.But Diesel (I’m a big fan of the red variety) but regular through the nose priced petrol station stuff will do,is the best lubricant on the planet.I unseized a 16ltr Cat Diesel engine in a Bulldozer I had around the place here with diesel a block of wood and a scaffold pole.
Id also pop the cambelt cover off so you can see the condition of the belt etc.

[Chrispy01]

Well I have diesel, a block of wood and a scaffold pole....let's hope it doesn't come to that!!

Thanks for your input rudi (and the other guys on the thread) - very much appreciated. I'll have a go this weekend. Hey, I've even found the radio code, so hopefully that's a good omen.

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by rudi dudi

Some sensible advice above… However spinning it over on the starter is a definite NO NO if it’s sat for that long.
ALWAYS!!!!! Turn an engine that’s sat for years over by hand first!!!
Get a socket on the crank pulley and see if it turns with the plugs out.Diesel and Atf down the bores .

Totally agree ^^^^^ However, if the timing belt has been changed first -as it should be - the engine will have been turned by hand to set the engine and fit the belt and will be known to be free.

[rudi dudi]

Absolutely… However I don’t think the Op is going down that road or he wouldn’t be asking the original question.
I’ve started things on old belts before.Sure if it looks perished and brittle change it but they are considerably more resilient than people think.
I personally wouldn’t bother with an oil change(providing it’s not water contaminated or milky etc)or new plugs before flicking the switch and do the change afterwards.
Id be more worried about the Autobox valve body solenoid’s as it’s an Auto and sat for years than the engine.
A lot pricier and far more hassle than engine work.