<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by jag6565:
Hello all, I have a '65 E-type roadster that I bought in '77 while still in High School. Imagine that, 18 and driving a roadster to class, ahhh, the fun times I had. Anyway, back to real life, I have had it up on blocks for the last 15 yrs or so. I am over 40 and have a little more money and time to work on it now. I know I will have to drain all the fluids, refill, and battery and hoses and all. But would there be anything else I should look at before firing this baby for the first time in ages?
These old Cats just get prettier with age, or maybe I just can't see as well.
Thanks for your help...
Ken...<hr></blockquote>
Ken;
I've read the others recommendations.. most offer sage advice.. however, a Jag (or any car) that has been sitting for years (fifteen in your case) is a prime candidate to be an oil sieve.. most of the seals will be dried out and hardened with age.. the rest will be snotty lumps of rubber goo..
The best advise, in my opinion, is to go thru everything that has a rubber seal or a gasket (engine, gearbox rearend, brakes, etc.) and clean and replace every gasket and seal (and rubber brake hoses, as mentioned) BEFORE you even attempt to start the car.. the Gas tank should be removed, cleaned, flushed and sealed before adding one gallon of fuel.. plus ALL metal gas lines will need cleaning, and rubber ones need replacing.. period!
I speak from experience.. I'm a professional mechanic with a small restoration shop (I'm not hustling business.. I'm booked for the next two to three years) and I have seen the damage (not to mention the massive oil leaks) caused from sitting.. hardened seals can actually cut a groove in the rotating part to which it fits..
Like the oil filter ad says.. Pay me now, or pay me later.. It's up to you.. "Later" always costs more..
It's false economy to try to just "get it running" after all the years of sitting..