1982 Spider sitting for 20 years

[MythBuster]

Hey, I was just wondering what to expect to be wrong with this car. It is a 1982 Spider and has been sitting in a garage for the better part of 20 years. Mainly I want to know the probability if the engine having seized. Also, can you give me some other problems to expect? Thanks much!

[kmead]

Most cars are parked for a reason. There was likely some mechanical issue that drove it inside. Make sure that the problem that side lined the car was not a broken timing belt or other valve issue. An out of time engine can have bent the valves (unlikely on a 2.0 as its a non interference engine) preventing the engine from turning over.

Its impossible to predict the likelihood of seizing. You can do a number of things to minimize the damage or to allow you to loosen a lightly seized engine. Mike Bouse espouses using ATF (auto tranny fluid) or other light penetrating oil introduced into the cylinders through the spark plug hole and letting it sit. after letting the oil penetrate for a few days, adding some more each day to replace what leaks into the main sump. Once it has soaked and with the plugs still out, put it into 5th gear and slowly ease the car forward by pushing on the bumper. If it goes forward easily you are in like Flynn. You will to clean the oil out using a MityVac or turkey baster.

If it doesn't move easily don't despair, a few more days can make all the difference. If you are unlucky you can try to force it as you won't have much to lose.

[pope]

Before you do anything, change the oil and filter, trans fluid, belts, hoses and power flush the radiator. You do not want the settled stuff to circulate the engine. Also new plugs and wires. Drain all the old gas from the tank. Your fuel injectors hight have varnished up by now.

[So Cal Mark]

the reason for using atf in the cylinders is that you DON'T need to clean it out. Atf will burn and not foul the spark plug like oil will. Expect some smoke once it starts, but that will clear up after a couple of minutes

[ga.spyder]

An 82 ? Hell, throw a battery in there and drive her home
Craig