[68YT 400]

Good Morning Fellow Forums Members,

I have a 68 Firebird I'm looking to get ready for the road again after a long stop in the garage. I'm putting fresh tires, battery and fluids in it shortly but are there and suggestions for making sure the initial start up goes smoothly and without any unexpected surprises?

I'm thinking fresh oil, anti-freeze, gas, etc.

Question on draining the old gas. Should it be "pumped out" of the tank or drained? Its probably 4-5 years old. Treated with Stabil gas treatment before storage but just wondering.

Any help is appreciated.

[Doug Hopkins]

Check all your rubber fuel hoses and belts they are probably hard and brittle. Take the top of the carb and clean it, also check the accel. pump. It might be hard and dried out. Needle and seat could be stuck. A carb rebuild might be needed. Drain the tank. Check fuel pump pressure. Remove the thermostat and flush the engine, then a fresh 50/50 mix. New thermostat. Watch for leaks at the water pump. Lots of gremlins show up after storage. Definitely change the oil and filter. Crank it a lot with the coil wire off, to prime the engine before you try to fire it. Same issues can arise with the master and wheel cylinders.

[68YT 400]

Doug

Thank you for the tips and suggestions. Looking forward to having her back on the road soon...

TDSjr

[TedRamAirII]

Smell the gas, if it smells ok, run it low and then gas up with fresh. Add a can of Chevron Techron Fuel cleaner. If it smells bad, you may need to take it out and drain it. I use a air hose and a rag to slightly pressurize the tank and let it pump out the fuel line. Although you could have sludge and a sock plugged up. I would REPLACE all rubber fuel lines. This corn gas is HELL on the old fuel lines. Clean out the Master Cylinder and get fresh fluid in it, then bleed all brakes. After a good test drive, better check those wheel cylinders! All brake fluid washes off with water.