Grande Punto 1.2 8v sitting for 2 years

[alvynmcq]

Hi everyone.

I have had my 2006 Grande Punto sitting in the driveway for 2 years without being started. I am keen to learn more about simple car maintenance and have been thinking that getting the car going again would be a good learning experience.

In my head I will need to replace the battery, air filter, oil and filter change. Also probably need to look at the brakes?

Anyone any advice on how to get started, or anything I should look out for?

Thanks

 

[bluejohn125]

Put the battery on charge first, it should be ok or at least that will refresh it enough to get it started.

Brakes will probably sound a bit scrapy from slight surface rust at first but that should clear off. In any case learn to take apart the front brakes (one side at a time in case you get confused!)... the calipers may have stuck bolts but get them off, inspect and clean them and replace if they're worn.

You should get the brake and clutch fluid changed as well as the coolant, these have an effective lifespan of 2-4 years and most people never bother to keep them fresh.

 

[alvynmcq]

Thanks BlueJohn.

Looking forward to getting into it. At the minute it is just sitting there so seems as good a way as any to learn about this stuff. Sure, what could go wrong

 

[TigerTom]

How much fuel is in the tank?

Petrol goes off after a bit, smells funny.

You might need to drain it or, fill it up if there's not much in it, to dilute the old stuff.

Also get a Haynes manual, and if your unsure of anything look for Chris Fix's channel on you tube.

Good luck.

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi. In an engine all the OIL is stored at the bottom ..sump..
And uses a pump to get the oil back to the top.

I would check the current oil level.. if its on the LOW edge..then get a container of the correct car oil..@1litre Max and get ready to QUICKLY pour it into the engines TOP oil filler hole seconds before trying to turn the engine over..on the freshly charged bsttery.
That will give all the Upper valve gear SOME lubrication before it does its first work in 2 years.
Depress the clutch pedal when you try and crank the engine...then you lessen the load on the starter..and battery


Charlie . Oxford

 

[varesecrazy]

How much fuel is in the tank?

Petrol goes off after a bit, smells funny.

You might need to drain it or, fill it up if there's not much in it, to dilute the old stuff.

Also get a Haynes manual, and if your unsure of anything look for Chris Fix's channel on you tube.

Good luck.

Fuel is a good call.. but it will probably have evaporated to a LOW level.. so 5 to 10 litres of fresh unleaded should be fine.

Use the FAQ and GUIDES at top of GP section to answer lots of questions..
That is correct for YOUR PUNTO.. not some general car info..

 

[aurick86]

Change the oil before you stat it. The one that's in it has separated and centennially doesn't offer any protection.
I'd recommend pouring about 1 tablespoon worth of fresh oil in each cylinder, through the spark plug hole. before attempting to start it....will help lubricating the cylinder walls and will provide some protection before the oil gets pumping.

After you get it running, after max~1000 km replace the oil again.

Yo should drain the old fuel, and add new fuel.
It goes bad, doesn't ignite as easy as fresh stuff, might cause difficult start, flooded engine by wetting the spark plugs, or could even cause stuck injectors.

 

[varesecrazy]

Change the oil before you stat it. The one that's in it has separated and centennially doesn't offer any protection.
I'd recommend pouring about 1 tablespoon worth of fresh oil in each cylinder, through the spark plug hole. before attempting to start it....will help lubricating the cylinder walls and will provide some protection before the oil gets pumping.

After you get it running, after max~1000 km replace the oil again.

Yo should drain the old fuel, and add new fuel.
It goes bad, doesn't ignite as easy as fresh stuff, might cause difficult start, flooded engine by wetting the spark plugs, or could even cause stuck injectors.

Oil into botes is a sound idea..
However.. if yhe owner knows little about engines.. could offer many potential opportunity for creating other issues.

I would add SOME lubrication in a simple way. Get motor running in a simple way..
Just idling for 5 mins should give enough heat to then do a Good oil drain..and filter change too.

In case the motor runs poorly..you risk poisoning the oil with unburnt fuel..

 

[alvynmcq]

Thanks everyone.

Just to clarify, I know nothing about engines or cars, but I have been watching plenty of youtube videos and reading. Plan to order the haynes manual this weekend along with an oil filter, air filter and spark plugs

 

[rallycinq]

Lets back the horse up one step.

Before even attempting to start the engine, try turning it over by hand.

If it move freely, whip the plugs out, change the oil and turn it over on the starter motor without the plugs in to get oil moving.

If it is seized, a spoonfull of diesel down each bore and leave it for a week. Try again

Once the oil pressure light goes out, pop new plugs back in and see if it wants to start.

D

 

[aurick86]

2 years not started in a relatively humid/salty climate, valves partly opened ... could have rust on the cylinder walls.... might only have very little or not at all, could also be completely rusted seized... but some oil/diesel down the spark plug holes won't hurt either way.

At this point it's a gable... but just go ahead and hope. nothing you can really do except an engine rebuild... but that is expensive... so take the gamble. it'll probably be fine.

Rotating the engine by hand is a good suggestion.
Put a socket on the crank screw.... should be pretty easy to turn if it's in neutral and the spark plugs are removed.