Been sitting for a while, is this a problem?
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 74
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Been sitting for a while, is this a problem?
I've got a chance to pick up a pretty nice looking 78 suburban for a few hundred bucks near my house. The owner says its been sitting for about eight years. He tells me it fires right up with gas in the carb, but runs choppy. Now personally I've never let a car sit more than a few weeks, so this is new ground to me, what kind of problems am I looking at? I figure a new carb, and full tune up for sure. New gas tank, maybe fuel pump, anything else I should worry about. It's a pretty nice looking rig, 4wd and would be great for my hunting lease, but I don't want to fall into a money pit here either. Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
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just my 2 cents.........
check all wiring!! if it has been sitting that long who knows what kinda critters have made there way in there,nested,and had a few wire coatings for dinner!!
other than that sounds like normal tune up,clean fresh fuel,oil change,etc..........
heck...for that kinda money you part the thing out if all fails and tripple your investment!!
check all wiring!! if it has been sitting that long who knows what kinda critters have made there way in there,nested,and had a few wire coatings for dinner!!
other than that sounds like normal tune up,clean fresh fuel,oil change,etc..........
heck...for that kinda money you part the thing out if all fails and tripple your investment!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
It will be a money pit, but, worth it. If I was buying a Blazer/burb that would be the year. They are pretty bullet proof once you go over it. You might want to switch to the HEI distributor with the coil on top and no points.
I would tow it and then do the tranny fluid, filter, and converter before I moved it a foot. Then run it for a while, move it a few feet back and forth and then let it sit so the clutches and seals get lubed and swell.
Do not do reverse on an incline, I smoked reverse clutches that way before. Just nice and level stuff before you do any amount of driving.
I would drain and blow out the power steering pump/lines too.
I would clean the cowl, I think on that year there are access holes behind the dash, not under the hood.
Lube the wiper linkage and pull the wiper arms off before you turn them on.
I would tow it and then do the tranny fluid, filter, and converter before I moved it a foot. Then run it for a while, move it a few feet back and forth and then let it sit so the clutches and seals get lubed and swell.
Do not do reverse on an incline, I smoked reverse clutches that way before. Just nice and level stuff before you do any amount of driving.
I would drain and blow out the power steering pump/lines too.
I would clean the cowl, I think on that year there are access holes behind the dash, not under the hood.
Lube the wiper linkage and pull the wiper arms off before you turn them on.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 48
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From: oakville,wa
WATCH the BRAKES.. The master cylinder could be gummed up and may not stop. The brakes should be inspected very good. Brake cylinders should be replaced or rebuilt as well as the front calipers should be checked for proper operation
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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Thanks for the input, a second question while we are talking Chevrolet. While I was looking at this truck I ran across another. 81 'burb half ton 4wd, not too bad and the price is right. Is there a big difference between the 78 or 81 models (other than looks)? Would one be better than the other for year models? The 78 is a heavy 3/4 ton 4wd, the 81 is a 1/2 ton 4wd. Both are in the general area of what I am looking at and close in price.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
You really need to visit
FSC Forum - Chevy Truck
this being a Ford board and all.
One thing about the 77-79, you can actually step on the inner fender without it bending to do a tune-up :-)
The 81 1/2 ton is 1/2 the truck the 78 3/4 ton is. The 78 should already have the 14 bolt under it along with the TH400 tranny.
Plus, it isn't cursed with the newer GM smog control engine. I think 1981 is when they went to the TPS -inside- the carb, so to replace it you have to either buy a $400+ rebuilt or rip apart the whole carb to replace it.
imho, 81 has to be about the worse year to own any GM truck or car, especially a car.
FSC Forum - Chevy Truck
this being a Ford board and all.
One thing about the 77-79, you can actually step on the inner fender without it bending to do a tune-up :-)
The 81 1/2 ton is 1/2 the truck the 78 3/4 ton is. The 78 should already have the 14 bolt under it along with the TH400 tranny.
Plus, it isn't cursed with the newer GM smog control engine. I think 1981 is when they went to the TPS -inside- the carb, so to replace it you have to either buy a $400+ rebuilt or rip apart the whole carb to replace it.
imho, 81 has to be about the worse year to own any GM truck or car, especially a car.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 913
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Replace all hoses and belts and all fluids. Brake work can get real expensive. So can a new carb. New tires won't be cheap, either. Sitting for eight years could equal big bucks. Just be careful.
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