Getting the girl running again
 

Hello all, I have an '01 Boxster S and I have been negligent owner. My car has basically been sitting (in a garage) for the last 9 years. I didn't put it up on blocks or drain the gas. I did start it and took it for a little drive (5 min) about 2-3 years ago and it was fine. I am going to start driving it again but wonder what I need to do to get it in running shape?

Thanks for everyone's knowledge!

Michael

At the bare minimum:

• Change the oil and filter
• Change the gas and fuel filter
• Flush the brake fluid
• Change the coolant (may as well do the water pump and thermostat while in there)

Others will have more insight on what to handle/check, but that's a good basis to get started.

If the gas tank is 1/4 full or below you could fill it up and run it dry (till the fuel light comes on) or just dump the gas depending on your confidence level.

Dump the oil and filter before you try to start it up again. For safety purposes you should do the brake fluid as soon as you can.

Check/change all filters: air, oil, gas, pollen; change all fluids: oil, gas (probably stale), coolant, brake. Check age/conditions of tires (dry rot, tread, or expired. Depending on miles check/change plugs. Sounds like you just to catch up on a basic tune up.

If the car has been sitting for 9 years, the tires are almost guaranteed to be more than 10 years old. Check the date code on the tire wall for the date of manufacture and if older than 10 years, replace immediately.

Tire Rack Tire Tech: Determining the Age of a Tire

I think I'd do my best to get all the old gas out. If it's too funky, pay a car dealer to dispose of it for you. Otherwise, you could use it in an old pickup or motorhome. Yes change the oil and filter. You can get a coolant checker to see how the coolant is doing. To just get it out, changing the coolant and brake fluid isn't necessary, but do them soon. Same with air filter, cab filter.

Bring it back to life gently. And be sure to use good premium gas--I'd use Chevron with techron.

Tires will be okay to drive to a tire store for replacement, but keep the speed down.

when I change the oil does it get into the cylinder heads or do I have to squirt some oil in there before I start it?

It wouldn't be a bad idea to squirt some oil in the cylinders first.

when all prep has been completed put in a fully charged battery.

Consider turning the engine over by hand

Pull the fuel pump fuse and crank the engine on the starter intermittently a few cycles to properly dstribute oil throughout engine then start the engine after replacing the fuse

Hi all thanks for the ideas. I had it flat bedded to a shop and they looked it over. There were a few items rubber items that cracked due to no lubrication. I got it back and it is running great. I have forgotten what it was like to drive it. Happy boxstering!

+ 1 on old tires, the appearance can be very deceiving and you can get hurt very quickly