Disco has been sitting for 9+ months, is there a safe way to start a sitting truck?

[Macro1]

My disco has been sitting for roughly 9 months without running. I have been working out of town quite a bit and have not had the chance to replace the starter, but will be getting to it here shortly.

May be a bit of an odd question, but is there anything I should do prior to starting her up? I've been told these motors don't like sitting for a while and I certainly would like to avoid any issues.

 

[fishEH]

Make sure all your fluids are topped off. How long before fuel goes stale?

 

[seventyfive]

Do you live in a state that mandates ethanol? If so, you may have some fuel delivery issues pop up after driving it, maybe not. We're seeing some of the long term effects of ethanol on fuel pumps. You should be fine, the accessories may make some funny noises until they run a bit. I'd say at the very least charge the battery up to 16 volts so it does make the alternator work too hard.

 

[Macro1]

No ethenol requirements here.

I think the fuel should be fine beig 9 mo old.

Good idea on charging the battery!

 

[Rover_Hokie]

Not sure if any fuel additives of some kind may be useful or not, maybe others with more knowledge can jump in on that topic.

Depending on where you live, you may have to chase the mice out and clean up after them

 

[Mongo]

flush the fuel system…why risk it

pop the send line off the fuel rail, dump the fuel, then replace the fuel filter

 

[96discoI]

ditto on the 'why risk it?' if anything at least put some fuel line conditioner in it to remove the moisture...but replacing it might be the better idea. And maybe drain the oil. Then, of course, replace it and start it so you have gotten at least the one side of the engine wet with new oil...it might even be a good idea to remove the plugs and spray something in there for lubrication. not sure what, just brainstorming...although I am sure some smartass is going to let me know how dumb I am...seems to be the norm here. lots of people looking to be as condescending as possible to any random stranger that tries to help...good luck, it is a rover, so proceed with caution

 

[Beagle Bones]

Having started 2 cylinder through 8 cylinder motors that haven't started in years, some hadn't started in 20 +. I'll add and second what a few have said, fresh oil and gas - no need to flush/replace gas lines (once it's running, let it run it may smoke like crazy). Pull the plugs and spray some lubricant prior (your choice as you should change the oil/filter/plugs afterwards) into the cylinders and give it a go. The key is to get it going w/minimal wear. In the South we like WD40, tranny fluid, and another better yet lubricant that I can't recall now pored into the cylinders prior to initial start up.

 

[Macro1]

Sorry Guys, I wished I saw these great replies prior to starting it up and wanted to wrap this thread up.

Because I travel 80% of the time I got impatient, didn't charge the battery and ended jumping the vehicle (parasitic battery drain) and it started right up with no problems at all.

In fact, there was a lot less top end knocking than I anticipated and only lasted a few seconds or so, and then she was purring like a kitten. I let it idle for around 10 minutes and took it around the block a few times (not too far since its WAY past registration). Everything is super smooth, No CEL or hiccups thus far.

I do run synthetic oil and will definitely will be giving it an oil change since its been about a year.

 

[kennith]

Sorry Guys, I wished I saw these great replies prior to starting it up and wanted to wrap this thread up.

Because I travel 80% of the time I got impatient, didn't charge the battery and ended jumping the vehicle (parasitic battery drain) and it started right up with no problems at all.

In fact, there was a lot less top end knocking than I anticipated and only lasted a few seconds or so, and then she was purring like a kitten. I let it idle for around 10 minutes and took it around the block a few times (not too far since its WAY past registration). Everything is super smooth, No CEL or hiccups thus far.

I do run synthetic oil and will definitely will be giving it an oil change since its been about a year.

Give it two oil changes. One now, and another within five hundred miles. Change the filter both times.

Cheers,

Kennith