To pull or not to pull...

stu4u3 · 03-30-2009, 09:50 AM

...That is the question.

I finally own a 1989 MR2. However, it sat outside some dude's house for 5 years without starting (poor car). I can already see it needs a new altenator and possible exhaust manifold. I'll probably change the timing belt and water pump too.

So the question is, should I pull the engine out and rebuild it just to be safe? It sure would be easier changing out the fore-mentioned parts, right?

Stork · 03-30-2009, 10:34 AM

This is one of those questions that the answer is in asking the question; yes. If you ever have any doubt about a used car, you are better off rebuilding the engine with fresh components just so that you know exactly the condition of the internals.

If you can afford it, do it. If you can not, find a way to get the engine cranking and test it via compression, leak-down, pull the pan and look for shavings or even replace the bearings while you're down there.

tjmr2 · 03-30-2009, 12:43 PM

5 years sitting: I'd change the oil and filter (all I use are Toyota filters), hook up a battery charger if necessary, pull the spark plugs, (remove the wires, and valley cover, then clean out the valley with compressed air before pulling the plugs) pour a small amount of light oil (Marvel Mystery) down each cylinder to lube the pistons and rings, let it sit while you drain the gas tank and start with fresh gas and see if it fires up.

You might be pleasantly surprised as it might run as is, and once some fresh gas is through it, it might run well. If you are thinking you might have to pull and rebuild the engine anyway the above steps won't hurt anything, and you might not have to pull the engine after all.

The easiest way to drain the gas tank is to disconnect the fuel line at the injector rail and use the fuel pump by jumpering the Fp to +B connectors in the check connector. (between the intake resonator and the trunk firewall)

Good luck, welcome to the forum!

muffinman · 03-30-2009, 12:55 PM

mine sat for 7 years in my driveway and all i did was put a new fuel pump in it and it started right up. there may be nothing major wrong with it.

as mentioned above drain the fuel , the 89 has a drain plug on the bottom of the tank that will be the best way to drain it. i am 100% positive that the fuel pump will be no good after sitting that long. GL

85SuperGZE · 03-30-2009, 12:58 PM

Agree I bought a 89s/c that sat for three years. It needed a fuel pump so out went the gas. UNPLUGGED the ignitor (advise this for you) and do the afore mentioned(ie. remove plugs, change oil, crank a few times) Mine only had 118.000 miles on it and I have yet todo anything else to it, save for timing belt and alternator, belts and changed the plugs. It now has 126,000 on the clock.

stu4u3 · 03-30-2009, 03:07 PM

Thanks a bunch guys, I really appreciate it. You've given me hope...

stu4u3 · 03-30-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjmr2

5 years sitting: I'd change the oil and filter (all I use are Toyota filters), hook up a battery charger if necessary, pull the spark plugs, (remove the wires, and valley cover, then clean out the valley with compressed air before pulling the plugs) pour a small amount of light oil (Marvel Mystery) down each cylinder to lube the pistons and rings, let it sit while you drain the gas tank and start with fresh gas and see if it fires up.

You might be pleasantly surprised as it might run as is, and once some fresh gas is through it, it might run well. If you are thinking you might have to pull and rebuild the engine anyway the above steps won't hurt anything, and you might not have to pull the engine after all.

The easiest way to drain the gas tank is to disconnect the fuel line at the injector rail and use the fuel pump by jumpering the Fp to +B connectors in the check connector. (between the intake resonator and the trunk firewall)

Good luck, welcome to the forum!

One more thing. Do you think there might be rust in the tank? I'm not even sure how much gas might be in there. I may need to have the tank professionally cleaned. Thanks.

muffinman · 03-30-2009, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stu4u3

One more thing. Do you think there might be rust in the tank? I'm not even sure how much gas might be in there. I may need to have the tank professionally cleaned. Thanks.

YES!

you can clean it yourself.

stu4u3 · 03-30-2009, 03:51 PM

Really? What is the best way to clean it? Thanks muffinman.

328FTW · 03-30-2009, 11:28 PM

Depends how bad the rust is. It may just need draining or pulling and a wash out or if it is bad enough a acid wash and reseal at which point a new tank might be easier, there is a fuel level sender under the gearshift with a liftoff plate. Pull it and have a quick look in the tank with a torch (carefully wouldn't want a smoke in my mouth with it open). If it is bad you will have to pull it out if it is not too bad drain the fuel and chuck in fresh gas. If it runs after a couple tanks of fuel change the fuel filter and then you should be good to go excepting other maintanance.

tagtmeyerMR2 · 04-27-2009, 10:25 PM

ive seen a number of cars still run after sitting for a while mine has sat for a year or so then driven for a couple months sat again. my 85 na always starts right up with the exception of the battery. remember also it is a toyota there is a lot of quality in these cars.

toyotaspeed90 · 04-28-2009, 12:02 PM

I have had cars that sat between 1 and 4+ years and never pulled the tank..... both that sat 4+ years have different than original motors, though.... (both sat due to engine problems)

stu4u3 · 06-17-2009, 12:24 PM

I actually found a 87 for sale that ran up until about 2 months ago (thrown a bearing) so the gas tank and raditor should be a mute point now. It will also work as a donor for other parts (I hope). The body is banged to hell and the interior is crap but it's all there. I'll post a picture of it hopefully next week.

regisbou · 07-11-2009, 01:05 PM

I have a Mr2 that has been sitting since 1989...so its been sitting for 20 years...original owner bought it in 84...

Should I even consider this as a project? Only has 66k on stock NA block!

Capt.Evergreen · 07-11-2009, 03:40 PM

^^^ that sounds dank lite mileage deus sounds perfect... Mine sat for 5 years and started up no engine problems... With 200.000+ I went slideing on it a good 10 more k till the HG went and replaced it with a 7 rib about to be turbo... I woulddo every thing u could to make it
Run right... Oil ,plugs ,wires, flush ,everything maybe some seafome if it runs... Have fun and don't let it slip away...

Capt. EverGreen

regisbou · 07-11-2009, 04:21 PM

It can't slip away its my step moms

She said she would give it to me for free if I could aquire the money to fix it up.

Synthetic motor oil, gear oil

New rotors, pads, brake lines

New rims ( her's are aluminum but they are warped from the cold/heat after 20 years

)

New tires (re-11's), new belts, radiator flush, clutch fluid flush/refill, new custom exhaust, sea foam before putting in synthetic...will obviously drain the fluids then replace them all before I do this. Will tow it from Michigan to Virginia.

So much money LOL...needs new paint too, gonna gut out the car too...A/C etc..

Such a long timeless project haha

But yea to the OP if its been sitting less than 10 years I say go for it, get a manual transmission and call it a day.

My car has been sitting 20 years! And I am still going to rejuv it

Good luck

03-30-2009, 09:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
stu4u3 Fixing up a 1989 MR2 MK1 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth Posts: 238 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	To pull or not to pull... ...That is the question. I finally own a 1989 MR2. However, it sat outside some dude's house for 5 years without starting (poor car). I can already see it needs a new altenator and possible exhaust manifold. I'll probably change the timing belt and water pump too. So the question is, should I pull the engine out and rebuild it just to be safe? It sure would be easier changing out the fore-mentioned parts, right?

03-30-2009, 03:07 PM	#6 (permalink)
stu4u3 Fixing up a 1989 MR2 MK1 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth Posts: 238 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Thanks! Thanks a bunch guys, I really appreciate it. You've given me hope...

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03-30-2009, 10:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
Stork Some Skills Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Montclair, California Posts: 56 Thanks: 5 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	This is one of those questions that the answer is in asking the question; yes. If you ever have any doubt about a used car, you are better off rebuilding the engine with fresh components just so that you know exactly the condition of the internals. If you can afford it, do it. If you can not, find a way to get the engine cranking and test it via compression, leak-down, pull the pan and look for shavings or even replace the bearings while you're down there.

03-30-2009, 12:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
tjmr2 Cage Fighter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 309 Thanks: 0 Thanked 48 Times in 45 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	5 years sitting: I'd change the oil and filter (all I use are Toyota filters), hook up a battery charger if necessary, pull the spark plugs, (remove the wires, and valley cover, then clean out the valley with compressed air before pulling the plugs) pour a small amount of light oil (Marvel Mystery) down each cylinder to lube the pistons and rings, let it sit while you drain the gas tank and start with fresh gas and see if it fires up. You might be pleasantly surprised as it might run as is, and once some fresh gas is through it, it might run well. If you are thinking you might have to pull and rebuild the engine anyway the above steps won't hurt anything, and you might not have to pull the engine after all. The easiest way to drain the gas tank is to disconnect the fuel line at the injector rail and use the fuel pump by jumpering the Fp to +B connectors in the check connector. (between the intake resonator and the trunk firewall) Good luck, welcome to the forum!

03-30-2009, 12:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
muffinman Brain Surgeon Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Posts: 1,752 Thanks: 24 Thanked 100 Times in 98 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	mine sat for 7 years in my driveway and all i did was put a new fuel pump in it and it started right up. there may be nothing major wrong with it. as mentioned above drain the fuel , the 89 has a drain plug on the bottom of the tank that will be the best way to drain it. i am 100% positive that the fuel pump will be no good after sitting that long. GL

03-30-2009, 12:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
85SuperGZE Multi MK1 Owner Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 87 Thanks: 4 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Agree I bought a 89s/c that sat for three years. It needed a fuel pump so out went the gas. UNPLUGGED the ignitor (advise this for you) and do the afore mentioned(ie. remove plugs, change oil, crank a few times) Mine only had 118.000 miles on it and I have yet todo anything else to it, save for timing belt and alternator, belts and changed the plugs. It now has 126,000 on the clock.

03-30-2009, 03:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
stu4u3 Fixing up a 1989 MR2 MK1 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth Posts: 238 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Really? What is the best way to clean it? Thanks muffinman.

03-30-2009, 11:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
328FTW Can you say grippy? Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New Zealand Posts: 1,513 Thanks: 12 Thanked 99 Times in 83 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Depends how bad the rust is. It may just need draining or pulling and a wash out or if it is bad enough a acid wash and reseal at which point a new tank might be easier, there is a fuel level sender under the gearshift with a liftoff plate. Pull it and have a quick look in the tank with a torch (carefully wouldn't want a smoke in my mouth with it open). If it is bad you will have to pull it out if it is not too bad drain the fuel and chuck in fresh gas. If it runs after a couple tanks of fuel change the fuel filter and then you should be good to go excepting other maintanance.

04-27-2009, 10:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
tagtmeyerMR2 No Skills Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ft. wayne, IN Posts: 28 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	ive seen a number of cars still run after sitting for a while mine has sat for a year or so then driven for a couple months sat again. my 85 na always starts right up with the exception of the battery. remember also it is a toyota there is a lot of quality in these cars.

04-28-2009, 12:02 PM	#12 (permalink)
toyotaspeed90 No Skills Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 379 Thanks: 0 Thanked 29 Times in 29 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I have had cars that sat between 1 and 4+ years and never pulled the tank..... both that sat 4+ years have different than original motors, though.... (both sat due to engine problems)

06-17-2009, 12:24 PM	#13 (permalink)
stu4u3 Fixing up a 1989 MR2 MK1 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth Posts: 238 Thanks: 10 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I actually found a 87 for sale that ran up until about 2 months ago (thrown a bearing) so the gas tank and raditor should be a mute point now. It will also work as a donor for other parts (I hope). The body is banged to hell and the interior is crap but it's all there. I'll post a picture of it hopefully next week.

07-11-2009, 01:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
regisbou No Skills Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I have a Mr2 that has been sitting since 1989...so its been sitting for 20 years...original owner bought it in 84... Should I even consider this as a project? Only has 66k on stock NA block!

07-11-2009, 03:40 PM	#15 (permalink)
Capt.Evergreen Cage Fighter Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 102 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	^^^ that sounds dank lite mileage deus sounds perfect... Mine sat for 5 years and started up no engine problems... With 200.000+ I went slideing on it a good 10 more k till the HG went and replaced it with a 7 rib about to be turbo... I woulddo every thing u could to make it Run right... Oil ,plugs ,wires, flush ,everything maybe some seafome if it runs... Have fun and don't let it slip away... Capt. EverGreen

07-11-2009, 04:21 PM	#16 (permalink)
regisbou No Skills Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	It can't slip away its my step moms She said she would give it to me for free if I could aquire the money to fix it up. Synthetic motor oil, gear oil New rotors, pads, brake lines New rims ( her's are aluminum but they are warped from the cold/heat after 20 years ) New tires (re-11's), new belts, radiator flush, clutch fluid flush/refill, new custom exhaust, sea foam before putting in synthetic...will obviously drain the fluids then replace them all before I do this. Will tow it from Michigan to Virginia. So much money LOL...needs new paint too, gonna gut out the car too...A/C etc.. Such a long timeless project haha But yea to the OP if its been sitting less than 10 years I say go for it, get a manual transmission and call it a day. My car has been sitting 20 years! And I am still going to rejuv it Good luck