Getting her back on the road.

[pkschul]

Hey guys,
I was fairly active on this site about 7 years ago... the last time I had my 86 GN on the road. Well it failed inspection in 2003 so I just parked it in the garage hoping to get around to working on it. Well, now is the time. It's either get it going or sell it time, so I decided to get it going again. I have lots of questions and would appreciate all the help you can muster!

The first question I have is about the 7 year old gas in the tank. I only have one trip permit (to the inspection station) that's only good from Wednesday-Friday of this week. Is there a chance it can pass emissions with old gas? I was thinking of draining the tank and replacing with 5 gal of fresh gas. What is the best method to remove the old gas? Siphon? drop the tank?

I also have never swapped out a chip. I purchased an "emissions chip" from someone here way back, but have not installed it. Is there a simple "how to" on chip installation?

I also need to swap out the gutted cat. I also purchased a used stock cat from someone here. Hopefully I'll be able to free the bolts. Other than that I fixed the cosmetic things that the old inspection guy didn't like... swapped the valve cover breather for stock oil filler tube, installed the turbo-valve cover pipe.

Are there any other things I should look out for in a car that's been sitting for 7 years? I appreciate it!
I only have a couple days to get it done. Thanks!

-Paul

 

["Turbo-T"]

I would not run it with that old gas in it. Chances are it's turned to varnish by now and all it will probably do is plug up your fuel injectors.

Under the hood near the alternator is a grey wire with a black plastic plug. Hook it up to a 12VDC and open the cap on the front of the fuel rail and install a hose. Route the hose into a bucket. This will activate the fuel pump so you can pump all the fuel out.

Use some PB blaster to free up the bolts for the cat. Or WD-40 works ok too.

To swap out the chip, remove the pass side kick panel Inside is the ECM. The ECM has a little door on it that's held on by a small hex style screw. I can't remember the size...maybe a 1/4? Anyways remove the screw and inside are two chips. The emissions chip is the bigger of the two. Pull the chip straight out and push the new one in. Make sure the orange wire from the batt that runs along side the pass side fender well under the hood is unhooked before you do this, and make sure you plug it back in when done.

Also make sure you do not touch the pins of either chip unless you are grounded because a small amount of static electricity that you can't even feel or see can destroy the chip.

I would also change the oil, plug wires, plugs, etc. and do the spring cleaning while you're at it.

 

[azbob]

You can empty the gas tank using the schrader valve on the fuel line at the end of the injector log on the drivers side. Connect a electrical lead between the alternator hot connection and the loose black female connector at the back of the alternator. This will activate your fuel pump and by connecting a hose to the schrader valve, you can empty the tank into a can. You should change your fluids and do a spring cleaning BEFORE you try to get it through emissions. Good Luck

 

[pkschul]

Thanks guys, I'll try that. Is there a special kind of tubing I should use? I assume I'll need some kind of fitting that will depress the pin on the valve??
Thanks...

 

[TurboDave]

Thanks guys, I'll try that. Is there a special kind of tubing I should use? I assume I'll need some kind of fitting that will depress the pin on the valve??
Thanks...

That's nothing more than a schrader valve, just like what's in a tire. Just use the same type of tool to unscrew the schrader valve, then put the hose over the end of the rail (a size suitable to fit snuggly over the threads) All this BEFORE you hook up the power to the connector refered to above.
And have enough jugs to collect however much gas you thing there is.

 

[mjones73]

Let us know how it goes. I'm right there with you, mine has been parked for 9 years due to a bad turbo. I have the opportunity to get it running again and I'm doing all the research now on what I'm gonna need.

 

[GullsGN]

Let us know how it goes. I'm right there with you, mine has been parked for 9 years due to a bad turbo. I have the opportunity to get it running again and I'm doing all the research now on what I'm gonna need.

How bad a turbo. If it was just smoking, shouldn't be to bad. If the turbo came apart, you may have metal pieces in the motor.

 

[Bruce Urie]

Hey, buddy....go to "search" at the top of the page.

Type in "Draining the fuel tank"

This will take you to a TurboRegal.com page on this subject.

Go down about 14 posts to the title: "Draining Fuel"

Click on this. This will take you this page.

Go down to the third post with the screen name TryMeGT

Click on the link he posted.

This will take you to the page to show you how to drain the tank, hose size, etc. with all the pictures you need to see how easy it is.

Bruce '87 Grand National

 

[mjones73]

How bad a turbo. If it was just smoking, shouldn't be to bad. If the turbo came apart, you may have metal pieces in the motor.

Just smoking, leaking oil into the exhaust housing randomly.

 

[turbobooster]

Where is this thread with pictures that Bruce Urie mentions on draining the fuel tank? I can't seem to find it does anyone know how I can get to this thread or maybe Bruce can lead me there? I'm thinking about draining my tank and would like to see what's up thanx guys

 

[Bruce Urie]

OK, here's how to find that link you need with pictures on how to drain your tank.

1) Go to top of this page to "Search"

2)Type in "Draining Fuel Tank" in the rectangular space. Push go.

3) This will bring you to the threads on draining the tank.

4) Go to page "2" of this thread.

5) Go down to the 4th post, and you'll see Draning the fuel tank by BLIPMODE188. This is the one you need.

6)Click on it and go scroll down until you reach the photos. This will take care of you. You'll see step by step pictures on draining your tank. Neat trick, too.

Sorry for the late reply....been gone, but now back. Hope this helps you. It worked for me. Any problems just holler!


Bruce '87 Grand National

 

[turbobooster]

Thanks alot bruce for taking the time to help me dig up this valuable piece of info very helpful wen things can b seen like this in pictures, pictures speak a thousand words ....this should be the first thing that should pop up wen someone does a search on " draining the fuel tank " this is a good thread at least it was for me and im positive it is for all attempting this for there first time:biggrin:

 

[pkschul]

Thanks. I need to do that too. Maybe this weekend if it's nice!

 

[Bruce Urie]

Thanks alot bruce for taking the time to help me dig up this valuable piece of info very helpful wen things can b seen like this in pictures, pictures speak a thousand words ....this should be the first thing that should pop up wen someone does a search on " draining the fuel tank " this is a good thread at least it was for me and im positive it is for all attempting this for there first time:biggrin:

You're very welcome. Good to know that I've helped someone here, especially after all the help I've had from these smart, fabulous people who are so proficient with these cars. Made my day, so thank you. I knew I saw some thread on the window trim a few years ago, was so impressed by the guy going through all the trouble to show others how to do the job. Glad I found it for you.

Bruce '87 Grand National