Fiero has been sitting for 6 months... What to look out for at first start? (Page 1/1)
Cliff Pennock APR 08, 11:27 AM
I haven't driven my Fiero for over 6 months now due to a broken waterpump. If I fill it with coolant, I'm able to drive 10-20 miles before I have to refill it again. At least, that was the last time I drove it. I already have a waterpump, but no place to do the repairs but a friend who has a garage has offered to help me. He is by no means a experienced mechanic but I figure between the two of us, we should be able to replace the waterpump.

Anyways, since it has been sitting still for 6 months, what do I need to look out for when I start it again? Do I need to take some precautions first?
Gall757 APR 08, 11:54 AM
That's just normal winter storage time for many of us. I just get the car up to normal temperature and look for leaks.
ltlfrari APR 08, 12:16 PM
Check fluids, check cables (throttle) not binding, pull injector fuses, crank it a few times to get some oil around the important bits. Reinstall fuses.
Check brakes not binding from being on for 6 months and that they work ok on a slow roll before really driving it anywhere.


Can't think of anything else I'd do re starting.
Check heater box for mice nests before turning heater on!
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[This message has been edited by ltlfrari (edited 04-08-2020).]

David Riedle APR 08, 02:44 PM
Having owned LOTS of odd old cars that have been stored, I have found that a can of Seafoam in the gas tank, and then driving the car contiously for at least 100 miles works wonders. It seems to continously "scrub" out the throttle body and injectors.

It works even better on Weber carbs, having had a number of cars with two, three, and four Webers...of course, not a lot of true SD engines out there...

Of course, please remember to take these suggestions at your own risk...




Dave Riedle
2.5 APR 08, 03:05 PM
Ya 6 months is no biggee. Just make sure the battery is charged up before trying to start it.
Patrick APR 08, 03:10 PM

Check to make sure mice haven't built a nest up against the resistors in your HVAC blower box.
Spoon APR 08, 10:53 PM
Make sure the gas in tank didn't go stale.

Spoon

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IMSA GT APR 08, 11:20 PM

quote
Originally posted by Cliff Pennock:

I haven't driven my Fiero for over 6 months now due to a broken waterpump. If I fill it with coolant, I'm able to drive 10-20 miles before I have to refill it again.



I hope you meant "cracked" water pump. A broken water pump will not cause you to use coolant......just overheat.
rogergarrison APR 09, 01:58 PM
Unless you put an additive in it, the gas definitely went bad in 6 months. Setting that long, look for any sign of leaks in brake calipers or if its a stick...the clutch slave. Rubber deteriorates when its left to set faster than in use. Ive known people that stored a car all winter and taking it out for first time blew a wheel brake cylinder within blocks of home. The general length of time for gas to remain good untreated nowadays is 2-3 months max. The ethanol in it draws water so it will run like crap. For my lawn stuff, any gas thats left after season I throw away. Thats in equipment or cans.
Dennis LaGrua APR 09, 10:22 PM

quote
Originally posted by rogergarrison:

Unless you put an additive in it, the gas definitely went bad in 6 months. Setting that long, look for any sign of leaks in brake calipers or if its a stick...the clutch slave. Rubber deteriorates when its left to set faster than in use. Ive known people that stored a car all winter and taking it out for first time blew a wheel brake cylinder within blocks of home. The general length of time for gas to remain good untreated nowadays is 2-3 months max. The ethanol in it draws water so it will run like crap. For my lawn stuff, any gas that's left after season I throw away. Thats in equipment or cans.



Modern day gas can go bad in six months but you should still be able to start and drive the car. If the tank is low you can always fill with fresh gas and drive. If you add Stabil to your gas it will stay for about 2 years. My home generator was started with treated gas after 2 years and it ran fine. Gasoline life is a tricky question. My son left his car here since last October and it just started up fine.

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