Hey folks! I bought a 85.5 944 back in 2000. I was traveling with a circus touring asia then and bought it mostly to have something nice to drive whenever I was back visiting my Mom. I planned on returning to the states in 2002 and didn't want to miss out on the deal. My mother had no problems with me keeping it in her garage. She was actually excited about driving it for me so it wouldn't sit. Long story short....Mom's health deteriorated and she moved to Boston. The car is still at her house in VA. I went on tour with a different circus and the car has been sitting in her garage virtually untouched since 2003. That's when I last checked on it. At that time it started right up after sitting for almost 2 years (I borrowed a fresh battery). Problems I noticed then were that it ran rough. I am guessing this is probably from bad gas and bad spark plugs/wires. I only has about an hour with it and didn't have any of my tools, so a more in depth inspection was not possible at that time.

I am returning to the states finally and am looking forward to finally driving my car. Right now I plan to drain the gas and replace it. Change the spark plugs. Change all of the fluids - oil, coolant. And I am anticipating the possibility of needing new hoses, etc.

Are there any suggestions as to what else may need to be checked/replaced after sitting for so long? I do not have much time in VA before I have to head to Las Vegas. It seemed solid when I left it....hoping it survived the neglect. At least it was in a garage.

Thanks!!

 

i would recommend replacing the timing belt and checking all the timing belt tensoners. Because it is an interferance engine if the timing belt or tensioners break you'll be replacing some exhaust valves which can be very costly. That, and check all your fluids.