The Ford Barn

Don-Ohio · 05-31-2026, 08:27 AM

I have a 31 tudor sedan. Due to some physical issues it has been about 2 and 1/2 years Since anything has been done to it, I would like to get it started back up but was wondering if I should add anything into the cylinders through the spark plug and let it set first since it hasn't had any oil circulating in my long time or should I just change the oil and give it a start?

Oldbluoval · 05-31-2026, 08:38 AM

Empty any gas and refresh. Watch for stuck valves. Was water left in radiator/block? Observe oil from change for water. If it’s been seeping could be issues. You could put a small amount of marvel mystery oil in cylinder for a few days.

Canton_Model_A's · 05-31-2026, 09:13 AM

I would say put a little of MMO into the cylinders and try to use the crank and see if the engine turns (with the key off) and like others have said, drain the oil and maybe refresh the water and/or coolant in the engine.

nkaminar · 05-31-2026, 11:48 AM

One thing that is always recommended it to pour one quart of oil down the distributor hole after taking the distributor out. That will assure the mains get oil during the startup.

johnbuckley · 05-31-2026, 12:32 PM

All of above are good suggestions. I would also add that after puttig the fresh oil in , leave the spatk plugs out and wind it by hand or with the starter to get the fresh oil circulated before attemptig to start it !

eagle · Today, 08:16 PM

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2.5 years?? No problem. Probably will need to clean the points, then start er up. Warm up, then change oil. (Of course first thing is to check levels of all fluids)

05-31-2026, 08:27 AM	#1
Don-Ohio Junior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 8	Car sitting for a couple years I have a 31 tudor sedan. Due to some physical issues it has been about 2 and 1/2 years Since anything has been done to it, I would like to get it started back up but was wondering if I should add anything into the cylinders through the spark plug and let it set first since it hasn't had any oil circulating in my long time or should I just change the oil and give it a start?

05-31-2026, 08:38 AM	#2
Oldbluoval Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Signal Mtn, TN (SE TN) Posts: 2,670	Re: Car sitting for a couple years Empty any gas and refresh. Watch for stuck valves. Was water left in radiator/block? Observe oil from change for water. If it’s been seeping could be issues. You could put a small amount of marvel mystery oil in cylinder for a few days.

05-31-2026, 09:13 AM	#3
Canton_Model_A's Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Canton, Michigan Posts: 388	Re: Car sitting for a couple years I would say put a little of MMO into the cylinders and try to use the crank and see if the engine turns (with the key off) and like others have said, drain the oil and maybe refresh the water and/or coolant in the engine. __________________ --------------------------------------- 1929 Model A Tudor - "Darla" '29 Model A: Old enough to start with a crank, young enough to steal the show! "Stay away from negative people, they have a problem for every solution" Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Motor City A's Club

05-31-2026, 11:48 AM	#4
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 6,847	Re: Car sitting for a couple years One thing that is always recommended it to pour one quart of oil down the distributor hole after taking the distributor out. That will assure the mains get oil during the startup. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-31-2026, 12:32 PM	#5
johnbuckley Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1,600	Re: Car sitting for a couple years All of above are good suggestions. I would also add that after puttig the fresh oil in , leave the spatk plugs out and wind it by hand or with the starter to get the fresh oil circulated before attemptig to start it !

Today, 08:16 PM	#6
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,085	Re: Car sitting for a couple years Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 2.5 years?? No problem. Probably will need to clean the points, then start er up. Warm up, then change oil. (Of course first thing is to check levels of all fluids) __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."