I have a xke coupe that has been parked for 20 years. What steps should I take to get it started
it ran perfect when it was parked.....but dad got sick
although I am no mechanic.....I have enough knowledge to replace most parts and enough knowledge to not replace or work on certain pieces. Probably going to sell it....but it would be fun to drive one last time if possible.....I took this to prom in 1984 lol


thanks

Mr Prom Car

 

Assuming it turns over easily by hand. Pull all the plugs, and put 2 or 3 ounces of Marvel Mystery oil down every plug hole, then connect a good hot battery, and crank it over a time or 2 if it turns easily with no strange noises. Crank it over steadily watching to see if you have oil pressure. (be sure to check the oil and condition before cranking) If you have oil pressure, screw the plugs back in. Now drain tank and make sure you have fresh gas. to the carbs, or make sure fuel pump runs for fuel injection, and see what happens, the fuel system may be gunked up after 20 years all depends on how much fuel was left in it. You might get lucky But I'll bet you have to clean most of the fuel system before you actually get it to run. There are dozens of other things you can do, but this will tell you where you stand. Then you can decide how far to go with it. Hope it helps.

Jack

 

+1 what 89 Jacob said. Plus, if you can, roll the car outdoors before you start cranking and trying to start the car. Just in case, know what I mean? You don't want a whole bunch of fuel leaking all over your garage floor from an old leaky fuel system.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out, and post some photos when you can.
Bill.

 

Personally, the first thing I'd do even before cranking would be to change the oil. There will be condensation and pollutants in there.

 

Agree with all the stuff above and would add…

Before you actually drive:
- check the brakes and clutch systems.
- replace the tires (I’ve had two old tires explode while restoring my car)

 

And since your are outside, block/chock ALL the wheels so no danger of it taking off ... parking brake NOT enough as the cable may be seized.