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Re-start after 2 years sitting?

Pmedic920

Pmedic920

The ‘Stache
Joined
May 22, 2020
Member Number
1156
Messages
181
Loc
On the lake, Livingston Tx.
What would you do?

I’ve finally gotten to the point where I can begin rehabbing my 2017 JKU after it being totaled by State Farm following an accident.

I bought the Jeep new and have done what I could afford making it trail worthy, but still able to DD when needed.
I purchased it back as salvage and most of the damage is cosmetic.
Unfortunately I sustained significant injuries (not life threatening) and had to have surgery that included extensive rehab myself. I was off work over a year.
Also unfortunately I was not thinking about or physically able to do anything mechanical to prepare the Jeep for sitting over a lengthy period.
Other than a cover to protect from weather it’s been sitting on a trailer since I brought it home.

I have a general idea of what I need to do but not sure how far I should take it.

It has almost 3/4 tank of fuel in it. I suspect I should drop the tank a drain (thoughts).

I plan to do an oil change even though I had done that the same week the accident happened.

I’m considering pulling all of the spark plugs and putting a bit of oil in each cylinder, I’ve heard that I should pull valve covers and put a qt of oil in each side and allow to drain to bottom.

I’d like to purge the fuel system but not sure of the best option for that.

I’ll flush and fill cooling system but not sure if I should/need to do that before re-start.
I’ll also do all the other lubricants
Transmission
Trans case
Gears
But again not sure that needs to be done prior to.

Basically I’m just looking for reliable advice, maybe something I’ve not thought of.

Two big concerns is, purging the fuel system and is pulling the valve covers to lube top end necessary/good idea.

Thanks in advance.

Edit:
Added a ?
 

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Last edited:
blakes said:
I'd start it up normally and run what u brung
Click to expand...
Well it’s only got 80k miles on it, and I’d like to get a few more out of the engine.

Are you suggesting that there’s still enough lubricant on rod bearings etc that I don’t need to be concerned?

I’d also like to avoid replacing any fuel system components.
Guess Ive assumed that there may be some rust/varnish and maybe some condensation/water.

I truly appreciate your input, not sure if you’re completely serious.

I certainly don’t want to be the guy that asks for advice then argues against it.
 
Charge battery, Check oil/trans fluid level, Put a few gallons of fresh gas in and some stablizer, disconnect the injectors, Crank it over a few times to circulate oil, Reconnect injectors and drive away. You can check the transfer case and axles, but unless it was sitting rolled over for a long time, I wouldn't worry about it.

The newer fuel systems can handle alot worse of gas compared to the older stuff. If you are really concerned about the fuel part. take the schrader out of the fuel rail while cranking to drain the old gas out.
 
Check fluids, start it up and let it run. Once it's warmed up you can change the oil if you think it's needed. I doubt the gas is "bad" and a few gallons of fresh gas and some stabilizer will do what you need.
 
Crank it and run it.

If you're super super worried, either unplug the injectors as mentioned (will throw codes like crazy) or bar it over from the crank a couple of revolutions.
 
I'm selling my old 98 gm dually flatbed with 454. Guy is likely coming to get it this weekend and asked for measurements and video.

Truck has sat for well over a month without being started.

I cranked it up while watching the oil pressure gauge. Anytime I start something like this I'm watching the oil pressure. I like it when it goes right up immediately like my old dually did.
 
Anyone know what fuse I can pull that will allow me to crank but not start?

After the comments here, I’d feel safe cranking a bit then starting.

I’m assuming that would prime to oil pump and circulate a bit of oil?
 
Bebop said:
Turn the key and start it.
If you want to be fancy, just do an oil change before.
You're way overthinking this.
Click to expand...
I agree, but I don't know if it was flipped on its lid and or how long it sat there and leaked some fluids out.
 
My old truggy sat untiuched for 3 years. I charged the battery, dumped in some fresh fuel. Primed the fuel system and disabled the ignition and cranked to get oil movibg before starting. It's not rocket surgery, get stuff wet and frsh gogo juice. It'll probably light right off.
 
bad zuki said:
I agree, but I don't know if it was flipped on its lid and or how long it sat there and leaked some fluids out.
Click to expand...


18 wheeler ran a stop sign and basically t boned me.
Pushed me sideways over a curb 80 feet.
Thankfully the tall rubber kept the wheels from hitting curb. Otherwise a roll would have been inevitable.

I have decent LOD sliders welded on, and his bumper was the only contact point on the slider/step. This and the Metal Cloak skid with cross member protected me and the Jeep.

My injury (complete tear for left bicep tendon) happened when steering wheel whipped violently as the tires hit the curb. I now know why race drivers turn loose.

Yada yada bla bla, thankfully it didn’t roll.

ETA:
I realize that the damage to the top makes is appear that I rolled.
Actually there was a stop sign that I was pushed over. The pole for the sign hit passenger rear fender and folded over. It acted as a big ax and whacked through the top and made its way between the rear door seal and top.
 
Last edited:
Pmedic920 said:
My injury (complete tear for left bicep tendon) happened when steering wheel whipped violently as the tires hit the curb. I now know why race drivers turn loose.

Yada yada bla bla, thankfully it didn’t roll.
Click to expand...
Ouch, Glad you made it out.

Since it didn't roll, I would probably just start it up then. I doubt anything is wrong with it.
 
bad zuki said:
Put a few gallons of fresh gas in and some stablizer,
Click to expand...

SLOWPOKE693 said:
I doubt the gas is "bad" and a few gallons of fresh gas and some stabilizer will do what you need.
Click to expand...
What is stabilizer supposed to do? You put that shit in BEFORE you let the vehicle sit.

That said I always put 93 in something thats been sitting to help raise the octane of the old gas :flipoff2:
 
Jump box and turn the key, the battery just might recover.
 
posford said:
What is stabilizer supposed to do? You put that shit in BEFORE you let the vehicle sit.

That said I always put 93 in something thats been sitting to help raise the octane of the old gas :flipoff2:
Click to expand...
I’m not sure if it’s 91 or 93 but I always run premium gasoline.

No scientific reasons, I just have it in my head that it’s better.
I’ve heard all the arguments for/against “not needed” etc.
 
Oh yea I forgot to mention.

I’m in the south (Texas) and we have mud dobbers that build nests in the most inconvenient places.

I will be doing a through search for those lil bastards.

If you have no clue what I’m talking about, thank baby Jesus. They really can mess up your day when it comes to any machines that sit for a while.
 
posford said:
What is stabilizer supposed to do? You put that shit in BEFORE you let the vehicle sit.

That said I always put 93 in something thats been sitting to help raise the octane of the old gas :flipoff2:
Click to expand...
Wouldn't you want lower grade to bring octane down? I figure sitting all the light stuff is evaporating off and old gas probably has a pretty high octane rating.
 
Pmedic920 said:
Anyone know what fuse I can pull that will allow me to crank but not start?

After the comments here, I’d feel safe cranking a bit then starting.

I’m assuming that would prime to oil pump and circulate a bit of oil?
Click to expand...
Can’t gas pedal just be held on the floor to crank without starting? Thought there was thread on here about that. Or YouTube it
 
Pmedic920 said:
I’ll update as soon as I actually have time to dig in, it’s gunna be a couple weeks before I have any real time off work
Click to expand...
Doesn't take 2 weeks to put a jump box and turn a key
 
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