Reviving my CJ from 9 month hibernation

[jzak]

Hey Guys!

So my CJ5 has been sitting outside for the past 9 months, never driven. I've been working in Iraq all this year, but i'm coming back in a February, and i wanted to know what are the Do's and Dont's when trying to revive a CJ thats been parked there for so long?

My big concern is the gas in the tank. After 9 months, has it turned into varnish? Do i need to clean out the tank and flush the fuel system?

Any input is really appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[HackFabrication]

Get in and twist the key... If the battery is dead, either put a charger on it, or jump it. Check the tire pressure, and go for a ride.

Put some snake oil (SeaFoam, etc.) in the gas tank if you think the fuel is getting bad.

My Harley has sat longer than 9 months (although not outside)....

 

[hole]

I agree with Hack, twist the key. Mine has sat outside for 6 months at a time with no issues

 

[mtnwhlr]

^^^ You should have no worries. Just get home safe.

 

[Belizean]

Sea Foam and get home safe

 

[Torxhead]

Sea Foam and get home safe

I'm with Belizean's suggestion or a similar product. Change the oil too.

 

[Hedgehog]

I agree with the others, Git in there and gitt'er done.

If you need to let most anything with fuel in it sit for long periods, dump some Sta-bil (SP?) in the tank. It will stabilize the fuel for a long period of time. I imagine it puts a harmless layer of something on top of the fuel keeping air away. Very much like a pool stabilizer.

 

[Peanut Butter]

Go get a really big juicy burger! The Jeep will be fine. God I missed that and Blue Bell Ice Cream when I was deployed.

 

[Hedgehog]

You might stick a trickle charger on the battery the night before you are going to start it. I don't really like a charger set on full charge if you have time to coax a little energy back into a one that has been inactive for a while. It more than likely isn't needed but after being on a trickle for a couple hours I like to turn the charger up to full charge for a 15 minutes or so, then turn it back down. For some reason the idea of a little electrical shock from time to time during a refresher charging appeals to me.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Did you do any treatment to the gas before you left it? CK ALL fluid levels. If it's super cold. Put a 100 watt bulb under the hood over night, before start attempt.
How full was the tank.
Get a fresh fully charged battery for the start and maybe a spray can of starting fluid.
Best of luck.
LG

 

[jzak]

Thanks for the feedback guys! Sounds like a trickle charger, some Sea Foam, and an oil change is all i gotta do. Not sure how much gas is in the tank. My dad and Sis drove it from Outer Banks to Raleigh NC shortly after i left. I do know they didn't put any fuel stabilizer when they parked it.

 

[jzak]

Go get a really big juicy burger! The Jeep will be fine. God I missed that and Blue Bell Ice Cream when I was deployed.

Thanks buddy! Not deployed, just a contractor, but a real American breakfast and a Burger/Beer is the first things I'm getting, when i'm back.

 

[Belizean]

As Lumpy said you will need some starting fluid or gas down the carburetor or you might wear the starter out