Best way to revive a car from long term storage

[muleears]

I'm looking at a '73 220D that has been in storage for over 10 years. Of course, I got the "ran fine when parked" story. Currently the starter will spin it, but no glow lite and it won't even pop. Here is my plan (if I buy it): change all fluids/filters, drain fuel tank, new battery and convert to pencil GP's and pull and clean injectors. What else should I need to do to get it running?

[toomany MBZ]

Some folks have put a tablespoon or so of Mystery Marvel Oil in through the injectors or glow plug hole, this will help with any stuck rings. The fuel will need replacing.

[Shawn T. W.]

Adjust valves

Too late now, but it would have been good to have pulled the valve cover before turning it over, to note which valves were open, as those valve springs will be weak from being compressed for over 10 years . . . just something to think about if you should find another one . . .

[okyoureabeast]

Fuel should be fine. My 85 was sitting for 10 years. Make sure there isn't any algae growth.

Also check the rubber near the tires. CV joints and the boots on the front. Mine dried and started to crack. Replacing them is expensive

[muleears]

Good points from both of you. I hadn't thought of the valve adjust.

I forgot to mention, the car won't turn the starter with the key. You have to short the solenoid to spin the starter. Would this be a bad ignition switch? Is that hard to replace on this car? Has the steering column got to come out?

Could this be why the car won't start? The ignition switch not energizing the GP's?

[Graplr]

Originally Posted by muleears

Could this be why the car won't start? The ignition switch not energizing the GP's?

Could be. Try jumping the glow plugs next time or measure for voltage at the GPs. Also if you have a block heater, plug it in for awhile. Make sure the battery is fully charged.

[compu_85]

is there any smoke from the exhaust? Does the cranking sound even, or does a cylinder sound "faster"? The glow light on those cars won't come on if one of the glow plugs is burnt out. Also, you have the start / glow knob in the run position, right?

-Jason

[snookwhaler]

They make a "fogging spray" for engines. I use it on my outboard every year before storage in the fall and then again before I start it in the spring. A shot through each carb. and then a shot through the spark plug holes. But, this should have been done before you ever tuned it over.

I suppose you could give it a shot through the glow plug holes. I'm not really sure though. The Mystery Oil sounds like a good idea as long as you are not overzealous with it.

[daw_two]

Here's what I did to a w116 that hasn't run since summer 2001.
Next ..... 1979 300SD

Pulled the injectors --- squirted liquid wrench down in there....let it sit for a week. Had to replace the starter (I think that was the issue). Re-installed same injectors with new crush washers. Disconnect fuel line....route to a jug.

Cranked away.

[Palangi]

You know how to glow and start a 220D, right?

Hint: The key does not operate the glow plugs or engage the starter.

[kerry]

Even a gorilla would know how to start a 220d.

[Palangi]

Originally Posted by kerry

Even a gorilla would know how to start a 220d.

A gorilla might, but I know from experience that a parking lot attendent won't.

[shadetreemechan]

Originally Posted by Palangi

You know how to glow and start a 220D, right?

Hint: The key does not operate the glow plugs or engage the starter.

X2 on that car both the starter and the glowplugs work of the shutoff cable. The switch does nothing but turn the electronics on and off.
It took me a while to figure that out the first time.
When I bought my 72, it had not run in 10 years. Before starting it I checked the oil.

[kerry]

Originally Posted by shadetreemechan

X2 on that car both the starter and the glowplugs work of the shutoff cable.

It's called the gorilla knob.