My 1987 Cutlass Supreme was only driven >30 mph, one day a week for the last 22 years. I also think it sat unused for about a year. What could have gone bad from this lack of use? Could there be transmission issues from never getting up to highway speeds? Or something all gummed up that hasn't crossed my mind yet?
What can go bad from a car sitting for long periods of time?
- Thread starter jamesejam
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The once a week thing is fine. The only worry would be sitting for a year. I would drain the gas tank and put in new feul (or just top it up if it's low) and then do basic tune up stuff, if needed.
As for not ever getting up to highway speed, I have seen this on a few cars. The heads get all carboned up. But its an easy fix. Just a few WOT runs down the highway and you should notice it getting better.
As for not ever getting up to highway speed, I have seen this on a few cars. The heads get all carboned up. But its an easy fix. Just a few WOT runs down the highway and you should notice it getting better.
The only real concern I would have would be tires drying out and cracking if sitting too long. Other than that, I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Just drive it, the car will let you know what it needs.
Just drive it, the car will let you know what it needs.
Replace the rubber brake hoses!!!!! That and the rubber fuel hoses and the engine hoses too. It is likely they have never been done and the failure of any of them could be catastrophic. Also, if it has not been run in a year, don't try to start it without priming it. At the very least change the oil, pull all the plugs, squirt a little oil in each cylinder then turn it by hand, followed by turning it with the starter until the oil light goes off. Only then do you put the plugs back in. This minimizes stress on the bearings if they are dry.
one bad thing i've seen from driving like that; since the engine never saw high rpm's the rods don't stretch out quite as far. the wear point in the cylinder is lower and a ridge forms. when you take it out and tromp on it, the piston hits the ridge snapping, at the least, the rings. you're best bet is to drive normally for a bit, just in case. then work you're way up.
to clean the heads/intake in the meantime, try seafoam.
to clean the heads/intake in the meantime, try seafoam.
to go along with what mega said, before I started it I would replace the oil with some break in oil, remove the distributor and build up oil pressure using a drill......we use the shaft from a distributor and a drill to engage the pump to lubricate the engine before we fire it up at the race shop....
I think it's too late for priming the engine and such.
Judging by his other posts he's already out and about driving it...
Inspecting all your rubber hoses and vacuum lines is a good idea.
I say just keep driving it and be alert of any potential mechanical problems.
Judging by his other posts he's already out and about driving it...
Inspecting all your rubber hoses and vacuum lines is a good idea.
I say just keep driving it and be alert of any potential mechanical problems.
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