I am about to get a 67 Malibu in a few days. It was running fine the last time it was out for a spin, but then it was put into storage for about 2 years. How should I prep the engine for the first restart after all this time?

Welcome


Fire it up and drive it.
2 years isn't long enough to have any problems.

If you want to be on the safe side.....change the oil after it's hot.
Flush the cooling system. Put in new antifreeze.
Service the transmission.
check all fluids. Rear diff and brake fluid. power steering, etc
Grease the u-joints and grease all of the steering linkage zerks.

check tire pressure and inspect for cracking or any unsafe condition.

check the belts for wear or cracking. Also inspect any rubber fuel lines for cracking or splitting and both radiator hoses for same.

and I'd fill the tank with gas and drive it till empty or close to it as soon as possible

other than that wash it and wax it and you're good to go.

post some pics for us too.

Thanks for the info. The car should arrive this tuesday or wednesday. I will post some pics right after I get it.

the above post is good info ...
I'd add that you should also look carefully at the brake lines ,wheel cylinders,an master cylinder for leakage

Welcome


Fire it up and drive it.
2 years isn't long enough to have any problems.

If you want to be on the safe side.....change the oil after it's hot.
Flush the cooling system. Put in new antifreeze.
Service the transmission.
check all fluids. Rear diff and brake fluid. power steering, etc
Grease the u-joints and grease all of the steering linkage zerks.

check tire pressure and inspect for cracking or any unsafe condition.

check the belts for wear or cracking. Also inspect any rubber fuel lines for cracking or splitting and both radiator hoses for same.

and I'd fill the tank with gas and drive it till empty or close to it as soon as possible

other than that wash it and wax it and you're good to go.

post some pics for us too.

In addition to the above information, what I have done is first take the spark plugs out, disconnect the coil wire, crank the engine for pressure, put the plugs back in. Then you can start it up and follow the steps above. Its sort of an easy preventative measure to get oil pressure with as little "load" on things inside as possible, plus it primes the carb with gas at the same time.

In addition to the above information, what I have done is first take the spark plugs out, disconnect the coil wire, crank the engine for pressure, put the plugs back in. Then you can start it up and follow the steps above. Its sort of an easy preventative measure to get oil pressure with as little "load" on things inside as possible, plus it primes the carb with gas at the same time.

Same as stated but I would spray some oil down into the cylinders to lubricate the rings and cylinder walls

For something thats been sitting that long. I would pull all the spark plugs and pour a little motor oil down each cylinder, grab a bunch of rags, and crank the engine with the plugs out. Put the rags in front of the holes to catch the oil. This puts a nice film around the cylinder and really helps compression when you go to start it.

I found out today that the car was started and loaded onto the trailer. I was told the oil level was good but other than that they just jumped it and turned the key. From the posts that I have read this shouldn't be too hard on the engine, but it isn't how I wanted it to go, what do you think?

I found out today that the car was started and loaded onto the trailer. I was told the oil level was good but other than that they just jumped it and turned the key. From the posts that I have read this shouldn't be too hard on the engine, but it isn't how I wanted it to go, what do you think?

Honestly...They probably cranked and cranked to get the carb primed, so that in turn gave oil pressure. While it wasn't the best case scenario, I personally wouldn't worry about it. Others have started cars that have sat for 5 or more years with no problems. At this point, you should now follow MR.69's directions, IMHO. At least you know it runs, right?

I wouldn't worry too much about it.

If your like the rest of us, you'll probably have the engine/tranny out and the body lifted off within a couple of months. :D

The Body off resto I did on my '69 all started when I simply wanted to put a 3/8" fuel line in.

And, wouldn't you know it, the body had to come off to get to that last bolt out. :D

Seriously, it should be alright. At this point, after it has been run, pulling the plugs to put oil in the cylinders is probably a moot point.

But, I would change plugs, oil, plugwires, points, condenser and service the tranny at a min. and check brakes and tires before doing any real crusin.