Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: new ride~87 Cougar that has not been driven for 2 years...help! (Read 1278 times) previous topic - next topic

new ride~87 Cougar that has not been driven for 2 years...help!

Hi,
New guy here, picked up an '87 xr7 that has not been driven for two years.  The upside to this is that it was garage kept the entire time and the rust is minimal.  I'm looking for some advice on where to start to make it safe and drivable.  I was going to start with a tune-up, checking the coolant and if its bad flush it,  change oil, and add fuel stabilizer or siphon out gas.  Any thoughts on anything else, especially with the brakes or fuel system?  Also, should I stick with Motor Craft plugs and wires?
Thanks.

new ride~87 Cougar that has not been driven for 2 years...help!

Reply #1 –
Two year old fuel should be drained.  All filters and fluids should be changed (including the brake fluid).  Check over the brake lines (both soft and hard) to ensure there are no badly cracked rubber lines or rusted hard lines.

Motorcraft plugs & wires are fine.

Get the car off the ground and check the front suspension for loose components & play in the u-joints.  Spin the tires.  Sitting two years could cause flat spots or the tires may have dry rot

I assume this is an AOD car.  Check the plastic bracket on the TV cable.  Those thing break just from getting old.  A short drive can toast the trans.  Theres lots of info on that on the net.

Congratulations on your find!  Hope everthing goes well on getting back on the road.
 

new ride~87 Cougar that has not been driven for 2 years...help!

Reply #2 –
Well said.  That is about everything I can think of.  Maybe take off and clean out the IAC with carb cleaner or TB cleaner.
Mike