old start ???

[73chgrSE]

I have a straight 73se 400magnum 4 bbl p-code w/less than 80k miles. Stored in a dry garage for 5 yrs or so. I'm ready to start it up again. Any advise on prep before i try to turn it over? Obviously I need to get the old gas out of the tank first and new battery. What else, if the belts and hoses checked and fluids topped off?

[Mopar440+6]

I would probably pull the cap off the distributor and turn it over a few times before I started it to get the oil back up through the engine...

[Dave22443]

Not only would I pull the coil wire, I would also pull the plugs.  Cranking it over without the plugs in it will allow the engine to build oil pressure with less strain.  Might also be a good idea to shoot a little oil in the plug holes before you do it, just to wet the walls.

Since the engine was already broken in before it was laid up, you should be fine.  Now go make it ROAR! 

[Steve P.]

Sitting for 5 years I would not want to add to any problems by just trying to fire it right up. I would bring it home on a trailer or truck and take a few steps to save time, money and aggravation later on.


First pull all the plugs and spray penetrating oil into each hole using a straw. I would prefer to see this being done now and then while the car is put away. Also a few times before turning it over.

Next pull the fuel line off and pump out the old fuel. (I run them dry when I put them away). Then pull the tank and then the sending unit. Take a very good look inside and out. If the tank is not too bad, take it to a radiator shop and have it cleaned. Some can even apply a tank coat. If the tank is really in question then I wouldn'twaste the money. Buy a new tank and sender. Make sure you replace the sock also. And if you have a 5/16 sender on it now you may want to consider stepping up to a 3/8ths or even a 1/2" depending on what your future plans are for the car. Planning ahead can save you bucks. Also if you do put in a new tank and want to upgrade it would be a good time to look into a large return port. It's easy and rather cheap especially when the tank is new.

The next thing is a quick oil change and filter. The motor has been sitting for a long time. Any dirt and water/moisture is sitting there waiting to drain AT the plug. If you turn it over now you will send it all over the motor. (now is your best time to dump it out).

Next pull the coil wire and turn it over many times allowing oil to flow everywhere it should and flood the bearings with fresh oil.

Once you know you have oil pressure you can gap some fresh plugs and put your coil wire back in the cap. Put your tank back in. Hook up your fuel lines with new filters and add fuel. Check all other fluids including BRAKE FLUID and fire it up..

Good luck..

[73chgrSE]

is there a drain plug on the gas tank on that year/model? someone else told me to leave the old oil in to start it the first time, is that wrong? Thanks to all of you for your advise.

[dodge freak]

Why would you leave 5 year old oil in it ? Does he own a engine repair shop? I think Steve P. gave the best advice. If you don't want to pull the tank then at least stick a hose down the filler neck and pump most of the old gas out. Then put 2-3 5 gallon cans of fresh gas with maybe a little of marvels mystery oil in the gas. Not sure if the trans oil and rear end should be change too. You better make sure the brakes work ok before you go to fast. I would like to drive around a 25 mph zone for a while before you go on the main roads.Roll the windows down too and get some fresh air in it so you don't get sick yourself. Might be kind of moldy inside. Good Luck

[Steve P.]

The dirt and moisture has had 5 years to come to rest on the bottom of your oil pan. NOW is the best time to get rid of it. If you disturb it by turning the engine over it will be cycled throughout the engine. For my money I would dump it NOW........

[dodge freak]

Maybe change the oil  right after it heats up too, that way most of the junk is out of there.

[TylerCharger69]

Ive always  pulled the coil wire, and the plugs   then turn the motor by hand before trying to actually turn it over with the key  (mystery oil in the plug holes of course)    and  a nice oil change!!!   My question is...if a car is going to be stored....why have gas in the tank??

[dodge freak]

I was always told to fill the tank up to pervent rust inside the tank. They sell stuff to make the gas last longer, not sure about 5 years. Gas comes from oil and oil stops rust. You can always pump most of it out.

[TylerCharger69]

  True that.......Sta-bil  is the additive I think you are talking about.   I know it's a good seasonal additive, but I'm not sure about long-term.   I remember when I bought my car from a junkyard in Arizona in 1995....the old guy who sold it to me  said the car has not moved in 24 years.  (I had to literally dig it out of the ground) It still had a half a tank full, and I had to remove the contents with a putty knife, and lots of lacquer thinner to help break it up....talk about a mess!!!   But I really never thought of filling the tank to prevent rust though.  We stored a car for 3 years..(it was a..."gulp"   Ford)  a while back  and we removed the gas tank and placed the car on jackstands as to not flat spot the tires.  We ran the fuel out of the carb and lines too.  In case anyone asks...it was because the guy who owned it was hiding it from his ex-wife....Very  grizzly divorce it was....lol