So my father-in-law gave me a 84 2.8 auto, its been siting for about 4 years. i would like to know what you guys have for ideas of prep to it before i try starting it. I know that i should change the oil, drain the gas and so on. Other than that i have no clue....like what should i do to the tranny (other then check fluid) If you have any ideas i ould be verry greatfull.

 

You're lucky to have a father-in-Law like him...lol

 

lol yea my wife was pissed!! he never gave me a car!!

 

maybe put a tiny bit of oil down each cylinder so its not starting bone dry. or after changing the oil pulling it apart just enough that you can spin up the oil pump by itself to prime the engine

 

Mtn is right, how mechanicaly inclined are you? Priming the mill is a good idea, but if you have no idea how it might be too involved. Basicaly you want to get oil to flow all around the engine, so priming it would help... some wd-40 or actual penetrating fluid into the spark plug holes will help; since you will be replacing the plugs it will be an easy task.

 

make it easy for yourself. do as you plan ( oil and all) and a new battery. pull the middle wire from the distributor and just crank it for a minute or so. replace the wire and try to start it but dont rev it very hi for a few minutes. give the oil a chance to flow. you should be ok and dont freak out when you hear loud noises for the first few secounds. the oil will need to flow to the hyd. lifters and that may take a bit.
eventually you will want to replace all the hoses and belts as well, and dont be surprised if it drives rough. the tires are probubly flat spotted.you will see what I mean after you replace them. and dont forget about the wiper blades, I am sure the are wasted.
the car looks to be in very good shape so congrates on your new " toy". I have those same style rims on mine but mine are aluminum. my car sat for about 10 years and now runs pretty smooth. see it at cardomain.com under jim022659