A diesel engine can go unused for multiple reasons. The owner may no longer be able to drive. They may only bring out the vehicle for special occasions. It may be one of those abandoned and newly found vintage vehicles awaiting a full restoration. Whatever the case, it’s a basic rule of vehicle ownership to never, ever try to start a vehicle that’s been sitting and potentially dry as a bone. Engines lacking lubrication run the risk of essentially grinding themselves to death. However, there’s still hope for long-dormant vehicles. Here’s how to start a diesel engine that’s been sitting for years.

Begin at the Beginning

Before you insert the key into the ignition, take time to investigate the vehicle inside and out. You should also look online for advice on restoring a diesel-powered engine. You will undoubtedly find numerous tutorials available on YouTube, and you may find reproductions of the original owner’s manual. Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty! Put on some goggles, gloves, and a mask since you don’t know what you might encounter.

Start with the engine itself. Look for visible damage or evidence of previous leaks under the hood and on the ground beneath the vehicle where it was sitting unused. Look for debris, dust, as well as animal nests, droppings, and remains that could or might have become trapped in the moving parts of the engine. Of course, address cracks, corrosion, and loose parts before you can proceed. If the engine and bay are particularly greasy, apply a degreaser and remove it with a hose and soft non-metallic brush. Avoid applying degreaser to any loose wires. If the engine bay is dry, vacuum it out, then apply a degreaser where needed. At the end, wipe it all down with microfiber cloths.

Getting Charged Up

After cleaning things up, it’s time to see what’s working, what you can salvage, and what needs replacing. Look at the battery, and note any corrosion, rotten smells, or weird shapes in the casing. If it seems okay, test it for a charge. If it’s dead, charge it up for a short time.

Keep in mind that automotive batteries tend to last only four years or so, so check the date on the casing. It probably needs a replacement. While you’re at it, inspect the glow plugs and spark plugs for corrosion, gunk, and anything that might interrupt them during operation. Of course, replacing them all will save you the hassle down the line.

Lubrication Fascination

One thing is for sure the vehicle isn’t going anywhere unless the engine is lubricated. Check the oil with a dipstick. Is it clean or dirty? Is there any oil at all? The latter is possible because oil can leak out or evaporate over time and during periods of high heat. For a dry engine, remove the spark plugs and squirt in a tablespoon of oil in each hole. Then, drain the old oil, remove the oil cap, and top it off slowly. Do the same thing for the coolant and sundry fluids that help the car run. Drain, change, and top them off as necessary. Finally, flush the radiator as well and replace the coolant. You can use a pressurized washer to clean it out thoroughly.

Don’t Be Fuelish

The fuel system now needs priming. The fuel in a vehicle that’s been sitting for years has likely evaporated, leaving no fuel in the tank or fuel lines. Flush out the tank, clean the sediment bowl, and replace whatever equipment appears to be in disrepair. You’ll need to replace the gaskets and fuel tank screen and flush the fuel lines. Next, fill ‘er up! The vehicle won’t go anywhere without a tank filled with diesel! Once full, find the priming pump and activate it until you feel some resistance. This should mean it’s ready to go.

Fire It Up

Once you’ve taken care of everything so far, it’s show time… hopefully. Stick the key in the ignition and give it a turn without starting the engine. This will, hopefully, get the fuel pump running and filling the fuel lines. Do this for no more than 10 seconds, then turn it back. Listen for evidence that the battery is delivering a charge through clicking and chirping. After a few seconds, give the key a full turn to start the engine. If everything is working, the engine should come roaring to life. If it does, leave it running for several minutes to get the juices flowing. Keep your eyes, ears, and nose attuned to leaks, unpleasant noises and smells, unusual vibrations, and other signs of distress from the engine.

If all seems well, letting the vehicle run for a little bit also builds up a charge in the battery. After several minutes, turn off the engine and try again. If it starts right up, congratulations! You’ve restored the vehicle! If not, you may have other things to contend with.

Uh Oh!

If there’s one sound you should be listening for, it’s grinding of any kind. An unlubricated engine can chew itself up in no time. This may necessitate extensive repairs or replacement of the entire engine. Unless you’re ready to buy a 2003 7.3 Powerstroke engine or another brand of crate engine and pay for its installation (which is very expensive), turn off the vehicle and take another look under the hood. Review what you’ve already done, looking for new leaks and other issues. If you can’t get it started on your own or it makes more terrible noises, call your mechanic. They may be able to suggest a solution or, better yet, poke around and suggest ways to fix the problem. Make no mistake, repairs and replacements will be costly but well worth it!

What’s Next?

Those are the basics on how to start a diesel engine that’s been sitting for years. If you’re especially handy and have the tools and time to fix it, it’s a satisfying and rewarding project. If you have any questions about the parts, services, and other elements needed to revive an old engine, contact us for a consultation. We have the experience and materials to breathe new life into an old ride.