Getting 1989 Festiva Running after Sitting Four Years...

[ajbremer]

I bought a Festiva and I'm going to try to get it running and drive it home instead of towing it. It's been sitting for 3 or 4 years.

It's a 1989 carburetor model and I've owned many fuel injected Festivas but never an older one like this. Tires have air and look good, car rolls ok and seems fine. Engine has oil, radiator level looks ok too. The air-horn and the plastic air tube for the outside air intake has deteriorated.

I'm wondering what will give me a hard time to try to get it running good enough to drive home. Will bad gas be an issue because it's been sitting for 3 or 4 years? Is there a chance it might be ok? What other problems might I encounter when I try to start the thing?

[Flyin4stroke]

Don't start it with bad gas. There is a drain hole on the bottom of the tank on festivas. Otherwise should be good to go if the carb isn't gummed up.

[Pu241]

The crap gas we buy now with ethanol in it deteriorates pretty fast after about 3 months.
So do as Flyin4stroke says.
But even before that open the access port on the tank, and remove the sender assembly and get in with brass brush and try to scrub as much of the tank as you can.
Then drain it, and flush it till you get clear gas coming out of the drain.
Likely going to see a bunch of crud.
Then put fresh gas in.
Replace the fuel filter.
Be prepared to crank to get fuel up to the carb, so make sure you have a good battery.

[ajbremer]

Thanks guys, those are awesome tips!

[WmWatt]

I'd take out the spark plugs and put something in the cyclinders. Diesel fuel is used by farmers at the start of a season. Someone on here will know more about it or try a search of the forum for old postings or search the Internet. If nothing else I'd put a tablespoon of oil in each one. I think you're supposed to turn the engine over a few times before starting it as well.

[jason_]

The crap gas we buy now with ethanol in it deteriorates pretty fast after about 3 months.
So do as Flyin4stroke says.
But even before that open the access port on the tank, and remove the sender assembly and get in with brass brush and try to scrub as much of the tank as you can.
Then drain it, and flush it till you get clear gas coming out of the drain.
Likely going to see a bunch of crud.
Then put fresh gas in.
Replace the fuel filter.
Be prepared to crank to get fuel up to the carb, so make sure you have a good battery.

Clear gas? You mean the yellow tinted stuff that's pumped right from the machine this day and age?

Old school gas was clear as water, had no problems on 11:1 squeeze, and last for months....

As mentioned, this overpriced garbage is garbage.


I only have faith in diesel, and that's if they don't cut it with kerosene in the winter.

Sent from my rooted HTC Supersonic using Tapatalk 2 Pro

[nitrofarm]

Good luck your gonna need it. Make sure the brake lines will hold pressure before you do any work where it sits. Been there,done that.

[jason_]

There is hope.

79 Sbc 350 with hei ignition sat for 17 years.

Dribbled some gas in carb, hot wire on battery, bumped key and she took right off. Then quit obviously. Had to tease it with a bottle until fuel prime took. Point being.

Peooe that grind on starters to prime fuel makes me cringe. Just bottle it and use the engine to turn pump instead of the starter?

Sent from my rooted HTC Supersonic using Tapatalk 2 Pro

[kevyrev]

Mine sat for 6 years when I bought it. The gas that was left in tank was dark. That's what he meant by clear gas is good gas. Has a strange smell too. That old gas in the tank trashed my fuel pump. Fuel strainer sock had completely deteriorated also. What I did was take out the back seat, pull back carpet, remove plate and take out fuel pump. Then I siphoned out the tank and replaced fuel pump. E-bay has same pump as auto-zone for almost half the price.
The only real issue I had after replacing fuel pump, draining fuel tank, getting new battery, was the air flow meter (vane) was stuck open. Something you should definitely check.

[jayber]

Can of starting fluid will help get new fuel up to the carb quicker. Spray a shot in the carb and it will run. When it bogs down hit it again and again till the pump primes and picks up pressure

[jason_]

http://youtu.be/ohA4QAVSZlw

Extreme example, listen to those pistons talk back... ! !

Gassers will sound the same with enough advance....


I cringe with starting fluid. It's the LAST resort in my book...

Sent from my rooted HTC Supersonic using Tapatalk 2 Pro

[WmWatt]

Carburetted Festivas have a mechanical fuel pump bolted to the engine block & driven by a pump arm riding a cam on the camshaft.

[bmoorecl]

spark plug,fuel pump,if you drive it check water hose,and of most check cooling fan,good look,if you get it home,do a pressure test,on cylinders.seeing if it has blown head gaskets.oh ya timing belt,if it keep cranking over,and not start.there is a cover ,over the top pulley.remove th two bolts that cover th timing belt,and see if its turning.