Starting mk3 after 3 years storage

Docbooze · Post by **Docbooze** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 6:20 pm

Hi
Just about to try and get my mk3 running after 3 years in the garage. Its in fairly good nick and was running fine when garaged (not prepped unfortuantly). I,ve just bought a new battery so gonna fit that but I heard somewhere that you should crank the engine without spark plugs first.

Does anyone suggest any precautions cos I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to cars - changing the brake pads is about the limit of my knowledge.

Cheers for any advice

Post by **alexperkins** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 7:13 pm

If it wont start, dont keep trying to start it as the starter motor can burn out and you could flood the engine

Jackman · Post by **Jackman** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 10:20 pm

Right, best bet is to check the oil levels first make sure they are ok, remove the plugs and then remove the fuel pump relay (i guess its an injection) this will then stop fuel going to the engine. Next is to remove the connection from the coil pack so it doesnt try to spark either.

Get in the car and turn the key to see if it turn over, it should then eventually loose the oil light and its got pressure, if no pressure then im sorry but i dont know what to say, Polo engines are not my strong point. If it fails to start over, check the starter motor connections to see if they are ok then get someone else to try to start it and listen for a click of the starter motor, if no click it maybe stuck or have an electrical fault.

If everything is ok, put the plugs back in, and reconnect everything and then fingers crossed it should fire.

******Note, this is how i got my mini going a few week ago, this however was a fresh rebuild not a 3 year storage, can anyone confirm this will be ok?**************

Docbooze · Post by **Docbooze** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 8:13 pm

Well hooked up the battery,put in petrol and started fine. Took it straight to Mot and failed on split cv boot (Â£50) I cant do , corroded brake hose (Â£40) I can do but nightmare of nightmare's the dreaded emmissions test.

Mechanic says that he cant pinpoint the problem (high co only) as when it comes to emmissions it's a minefield.

1. o2 sensor

2. new cat (I hope not)

He's a good mechanic (replaced brake light bulb for free and welded exhaust for free to try to get it through emmissions) but no luck.
His professional advice was that even if I had to get a new cat fitted and repair the cv boot it would still come under Â£250 for an MOT pass and it would be worth it.

Not sure myself - any advice - cheers

Rick_GEEEE · Post by **Rick_GEEEE** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:16 pm

what year is the polo? before 92 you can get away with a de-cat!!

a far cheaper alternative, also makes the engine respond better!! and a cv boot is an easy enough job... its just his time thats gonna cost...

Docbooze · Post by **Docbooze** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 6:50 pm

Its 1993 unfortunatly so gonna need a new cat. He's quoted me Â£85 + labour for the cat which is not a bad price. The quote for the cv boot is Â£55 which is about Â£10 more than most garages but he's a good mechanic with a reputation for doing very thorough work with good quality parts so I dont mind paying slightly more.

Its gonna have another emmissions test on Monday after the new cat is fitted so will post again