Abandoned ep82

starlet_ep82_purple

Fresh Recruit
ive got an ep82 which has been sitting for almost 8 years now and now that i can drive im taking it out again. Should i know or do anything before i start trying to start the car again ?
 

Stu-

Member +
I'd do the basics like change the oil and filter, check the plug and replace if required, clean the distributor cap and rotor, drain and change the fuel for fresh stuff, dump the coolant and renew. Once its going it would be good to give the brakes a once over incl new fluid and maybe even a gearbox oil change if your feeling like it.
 

SKINY

Lifer
Before firing it up, remove the EFI fuse and crank it over for a minute or 2 to get the oil pressure up and round the engine :)
Start a thread sure, keep track of the work
Welcome and enjoy :)
 

dac69er

Super Moderator
i wouldnt replace anything other than the fuel before starting it for the first time unless it doesnt start.
check all your oil and fluid levels. pop the plugs out and turn it over with the efi fuse removed to get the oil pressure up (this may take a little while if it has sat that long).
once you get oil pressure, stick the plugs back in and fire it up.

if it starts and runs ok, then replace all the oils, fluids, filters and a new set of spark plugs. check over your brakes and ensure they are working, give them a bleed.
will probably need new tires too.
 

Jay

Admin
I just hauled a GT out of the yard after a year sat idle and would agree with Skiny, make sure you turn the engine over with the EFI out to get oil pressure. Usually a couple of 20sec turn overs as to not damage the starter. Oil light should go off when it sees pressure.

This one didn't so I daren't start the bugger till I have it sussed out.
 

SKINY

Lifer
2 minutes I cranked mine for after lying for God knows how long with the EFI fuse out, it's been started twice and done maybe a mile from April last year :(
 

starlet_ep82_purple

Fresh Recruit
hey guys im back. Me and my dad replaced the battery and tried to start the car a couple times without the EFI fuse and then with it and the car still wouldnt turn over. I also cannot hear the sound of the fuel pump as well. Really need help
 

Jay

Admin
Hey there, it's been sitting for a long time (outside I'm guessing)?

When you say it isn't turning over at all I'd be tempted to check that the engine is actually turning by hand first.

Put a 19mm spanner on the bottom crank pulley and see if you can manually rotate the engine (turn clockwise).

If not you could have a mechanical issue to deal with. For example my auto sat for two years in the sea air and the alternator rusted stuck. That was enough to cause issues starting.

The fuel pump doesn't prime on these so you'd only hear it when you actually start the engine.
 

starlet_ep82_purple

Fresh Recruit
Hey there, it's been sitting for a long time (outside I'm guessing)?

When you say it isn't turning over at all I'd be tempted to check that the engine is actually turning by hand first.

Put a 19mm spanner on the bottom crank pulley and see if you can manually rotate the engine (turn clockwise).

If not you could have a mechanical issue to deal with. For example my auto sat for two years in the sea air and the alternator rusted stuck. That was enough to cause issues starting.

The fuel pump doesn't prime on these so you'd only hear it when you actually start the engine.

The car is cranking but it isnt running
 

Jay

Admin
That's good, rules out a lot.

The search is on for fuel, spark and compression then.

You can test the pump by linking B+ and FP on the diagnostic port in the engine bay (big grey jobby with diagnostic on it). Pump should run with those connected together with a bit of wire/paperclip. How old is the fuel?
 

starlet_ep82_purple

Fresh Recruit
That's good, rules out a lot.

The search is on for fuel, spark and compression then.

You can test the pump by linking B+ and FP on the diagnostic port in the engine bay (big grey jobby with diagnostic on it). Pump should run with those connected together with a bit of wire/paperclip. How old is the fuel?
should i think about purchasing new spark plugs ?
 

Jay

Admin
fuel hasnt been changed at all

Fuel can go off and if there was any rust in the tank that could develop too. If there's not much fuel in there you could probably top it up and dilute it with fresh fuel but if the tanks over a quarter full atm remove the fuel and refill to be sure.

should i think about purchasing new spark plugs ?

Remove and inspect - you might be able to clean them up but a new set definitely will not do any harm, in fact it'll save you buying them further down the line.
 

SKINY

Lifer
Check your plug leads, dizzy cap and rotor arm condition aswell mate, if you have a multimeter the plug leads should read around 25 ohms tested end to end :) 14 quid you can get a set off plugs from Demon tweeks for, fiesta rs turbo plugs are popular for these I was told and use them myself :)
 

dac69er

Super Moderator
You need to find out what you aren't getting first.

Check if you are even getting a spark and test the fuel pump actually runs as per jays previous post.

No point spending time on the ignition at this point if it is fuel related and visa versa.

Once the car runs, then give it a birthday with new stuff.
 
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