Barn Find
 

Hello, just purchased my first Miata. It's a red 1990 one owner garage kept rig with just under 150k on the clock. My problem, there is over 1/2 a tank of fuel that has been in there since 2011. What is the best way to begin getting it started? I'm towing the car home in a few days and am beginning to formulate a plan to get it back on the road. Thanks in advance for any help.

Welcome to the forum

Great find!

Welcome!

First thing to do is to drain the fuel from the tank, then drop the gas tank to clean it out thoroughly. IF it is not rusted inside, you should be able to clean it out and reuse it. If it is rusty, or unable to clean it effectively, then replace the tank. You will want to blow out (with compressed air) and then clean (spray brake cleaner or the like, then blow out again) all fuel lines and fuel hoses, and even replace the rubber fuel hoses, ideally.

Once the complete fuel system has been cleaned (new fuel filter of course) and all other fluids have been drained and replaced with new fluids (oil, coolant, brake, etc.) you could try to fire the engine without removing the injectors......you just might get lucky and have them work enough to clean them with add in-tank cleaners while the engine is running.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

I'll second what MeB2000 said. I would not try to start it until you lean the fuel system. Sitting that long is not good, especially with a partial tank, garage kept or not. Figure on replacing the fuel filter for sure. I'd reach out to the local Miata community in your area and find the local shop that specializes in Miatas. Good luck and congrats on the find!