I'm going to be cranking her up again soon after a very long time, and I was wondering if there were anything practical I could do. I heard somewhere about cutting the ignition and turning it over with the starter, before I fire it up. First I wouldn't know exactly how to disconnect the ignition and secondly, isn't that a bad ideas because it would push raw, unburntfuel into the cylinders?

 

I thought you are supposed to crank up a stored car every so often. I'm not sure though

 

Our 70' chevelle sits in the garage for months and we fire it up without a problem.

 

First thing I would do is check if your battery has the juice....it may be dead by now..unless you disconnected it or did something else....other than that, of course ensure you have all the fluids ok, belts, hose are still ok, then fire away...I bet someone else will have additional input.

 

I just started mine today for the first time in about 4 -5 months...no problems at all.

 

You want to crank it over without fuel if possible for a few seconds before starting. This will get oil pumped up into the bearings at a relatively low rpm before you start it. This will minimize wear (remember, all that oil drains back into the pan over time). As far as an effective way to kill the fuel on the Mustang, I can't help you there.

 

You only need to make sure the fluids are topped off as mentioned, and IF your battery is good crank her up and let it idle severall minutes while looking around and under for leaks etc. If its all good, and I am sure it will be, thats it. But do run a mile or two on the streets to warm the tires, and circulate oil in the trans and rear end,before hittin the freeway the first time.

 

The first thing you should do is move! If you live where you need to shut down your car for that many months, you need to relocate. Somewhere that supports human life. LOL

In the old days they would always suggest that you remove the distributor and rotate the oil pump by way of a drill motor and a long flat blade bit. I have never done that procedure and my 70 Mach 1 sits in the garage for extended periods of time. Someone suggested turning over the engine in your S197 without fuel. I guess you could pull the fuel pump fuse and turn it over. Personally I don't think its needed. Just start it up and let it idle to temperature. Most of the critters that camped out in the chasis will be gone by then.

 

ndfan, good luck man... i know how you feel. I am about to return to the world after being gone for 6 months as well. Fortunately for me, I have someone whos been starting her up every month. Let us know how it goes.

 

It should be fine! Make sure the battery is charged and change the oil first if so inclined.....I always change the oil before and after storage ( been stored for 5 months now.) I have been starting the car every month or so but I don't think it is necessary thing to do. I just like to hear the sound of the exhaust and let it get up to running temp before I shut her down. I also (weather permitting) try to go up and down the driveway to circulate the trans fluid and the diff. fluid. Thats what I do...hope it helps!