It has been two years since I last started my '84 Jeep CJ7. What do I need to do...

  • Thread starter Thread starter skiguymatt
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skiguymatt

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...before I try to start it? I have had it in storage for about two years, and I'm sure that there are steps I need to take before I just try to crank the engine. The gas tank does have fuel in it.

It's a 258 inline 6.
 
Change the oil and filter, Clean out the old gas and refill tank... Probably needs a fuel filter change... The carb gaskets may be damaged and you may run into problems with driveability...

Pull the distributor and drive the oil pump with a drill motor to prime the engine...

You'll probably need some brake work, It may be a good idea to check them before you start driving it...
 
If you did not use a gas preservative I would suggest checking the level in the tank. If it is 1/4 full or less you might get away with filling the tank the rest of the way with new fuel to mix with the old stuff. The real problem might be the carb. Old fuel may have condensed and turned to jelly, plugging up all the internal passages and jets.

If I were you, I would change the oil in the engine first. Put a freshly charged battery in the Jeep and without touching the gas pedal, turn the engine over to get the oil circulating through all the bearing and in the passages. Probably twice at 60 seconds each will be enough. This will also pump gas into the carb bowl. I would remove the air cleaner and check the carb to make sure that the accelerator cable is free and would also shoot WD40 or carb cleaner onto all the moving parts. Get a flashlight and look down the carb throat and then work the accelerator by hand, do you see any fuel coming into the throat? If so then I would try to start it and see if it will run. You may have to pump it a couple of times.

If it starts I would run the tank low, by some Techron carb cleaner from local WalMart store and fill the tank again.

If the gas does not squirt into the carb throat the Jeep will not start because the carb is plugged up and needs to be taken apart and completely cleaned out.
 
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