380 Sl
 

My '84 380SL has been stored for three years....I have not started it in this time.....I have gas treatment in the tank.....I know want to start the engine.....Ideas please, Do's and Don'ts....I've heard Mystery oil ? Should I drain the gas? Thanx :)

...and I have a line on a 1976 and a 1988 SL, both stored in a barn (dry, I'm told) for 10 years or so. Does anyone have recommendations on the best start-up procedure(s)??

I would suggest removing the valve covers and spray oil directly onto the valve stems. You may want to coat the cam lobes with STP oil treatment, it will stay there until the oiling system is sufficiently primed. You may also want to remove the oiling tubes and spritz some oil into the Cam bearings, (I'll suggest replacing the plastic inserts for the tubes while you are there) Remove the spark plugs and inject a 50/50 mix of oil and ATF directly into the cylinders. You'll want to spray about 4-6 pumps from an oil can against the cylinder wall toward the intake valley. I suggest letting it set for a while (at least an hour, maybe overnight-how anxious are you?) then rotate the engine by hand at least 10 complete revolutions. Leave the spark plugs out while you initially crank the engine with the starter motor. Monitor the oil pressure gauge until you obtain pressure, install plugs and prepare to watch the fog escape the tailpipe.

Good luck :cool: