How to Start an Early Ford Mustang After Storage

Classic Mustangs are now several decades old. Many owners have had their car since it was new, deciding to store the car rather than sell it. Eventually, the time will come to start the long dormant engine. Starting an engine which has been stored can be done, but the proper steps must be taken to ensure not only that the engine will start, but that the engine will not be damaged when doing so. Thankfully, the vast majority of problems with starting a stored engine lie only with stale gasoline and an inoperative ignition system.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench Fresh gasoline New spark plugs Feeler gauge New distributor cap New distributor rotor New distributor points Fresh oil Flathead screwdriver

Instructions

1. Replace the gasoline in the gas tank with fresh gasoline. Gasoline actually becomes stale over time. As a result, it may be difficult or even impossible for the engine to start with old gasoline. Classic Mustangs are equipped with a drain plug on the bottom of the gas tank. The drain plug is in the shape of a square and can be accessed from underneath the vehicle. Remove the drain plug by turning it in a counterclockwise direction with a wrench. When the gasoline has been drained, replace the drain plug and fill the gas tank with at least three gallons of gasoline.

2. Replace the spark plugs. The existing spark plugs may be so fouled that they will no longer produce a spark to ignite the fuel. Remember to gap the spark plus at the correct setting for the particular engine with a feeler gauge.

3. Replace the distributor cap, rotor and distributor points. The Mustang's distributor is located at the front of the engine. The distributor cap is attached to the distributor with two clips. Use a flathead screwdriver to release the clips, then lift the distributor cap off of the distributor. The metal contacts under the distributor cap are susceptible to corrosion, which prevents the spark from reaching the spark plugs. Remove the distributor's rotor by pulling it straight up. With the rotor set aside, the points can be replaced with a wrench and flathead screwdriver. After the points have been replaced, side a new rotor onto the distributor shaft, then install the new distributor cap and secure into place with the two clips.

4. Replace the spark plug wires. Even with new spark plugs, if the electricity cannot reach the spark plugs through the spark plug wires, the spark plugs will not fire. This is particularly problematic on engines which have been stored for a long period of time.

5. Change the oil. The existing oil may contain debris and water, and should therefore be replaced. Fresh engine oil is essential to starting an engine which has been stored for a long period of time. The oil drain plug is located on the bottom of the oil pan towards the driver's side of the pan. Fresh oil can be poured into the oil dipstick tube, which is located on the passenger's side of the engine.

6. Start the vehicle and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. The engine will probably not start immediately, as it takes a few seconds for the fuel to reach the engine via the fuel pump.

7. Turn the engine off, then change the oil again once the engine has cooled.

Tips & Warnings

• If the engine fails to start, it is likely that the engine is not yet receiving fuel. To remedy the problem, pour a small amount of gasoline down both sides of the carburetor. Aerosol carburetor cleaner may be used in the same manner as an alternative. Once the engine begins to fire, fresh gasoline should reach the carburetor fairly quickly.

• Extinguish all flames when attempting to start the engine, as lingering fuel vapors may be present.