Hello All!

Long time lurker, first time poster. As title suggests, the Z has sat in the garage for 7 years without any running.

I've just returned from a stint overseas. Did not expect to be gone so long so did not properly store the 350z. Yes, shame on me.

I'm looking for some advice on things to do before start up to make things a little smoother.

2004 350z Touring roadster with 85000 miles.

Done so far:
Installed new battery.
Tires inflated up to 45 PSI and rotate (possible) flat spots to top of tire. Will correct pressure before driving.
Borescope check of each piston. See pics below. Any idea what the gold colored deposits are?
Pulled plugs and squirted about 1 oz of MMO in each cylinder. Will turnover by hand after 24 hr soak.
Pulled fuel pump (brown residue covering entire assembly, I assume varnish? Any advice on cleaning up fuel system without dropping tank?)
Clean MAF sensor and throttle body. New gasket on throttle body.
Replaced oil/filter and belts.
Checked antifreeze.Will replace after running.

Still on to do list:
Pull drivers side sending unit and clean. New Orings for both fuel pump and sending unit.
Drain fuel tank and refill with new.
Check clean plenum.
Compression test each cylinder.
Borescope again after hand turnover.
Install new plugs after startup. Don't want the new ones fouled from startup process.

Thanks in advance for any advice. This is not the daily driver so I'm taking my time to avoid future issues.


Cylinder #6

Cylinder #4

Cylinder #2

Cylinder #5

Cylinder #3

Cylinder #1

 

looks really good
look for rust on the walls but it looks great.
good luck to you.

ps unless others dont agree, I'd put a can of seafoam in the tank with 10 gallons of premium

 

Sounds like you're being very thorough! Maybe a few things to consider IF it doesn't fire up-
Spark plugs- definitely worth pulling 2, if there's evidence of rust I'd go ahead and install new.
MAF sensor- the Hitachi units don't really like to have this done, I've heard stories where people did this without d/c power supply and had to replace it.
If you stored it with Ethanol fuel your fuel lines esp injectors may have gummed up, Ethanol literally turns to gel over time. At 7 years it may be rock-hard.

As far as o-rings, gaskets etc I think we see things differently. If it ran properly before, I'd change as little as possible- you may be introducing a whole new list of variables that could go wrong.
One thing you might add to the list just prior to 1st start- pull the fuse for the fuel pump, engage starter for 10 seconds several times to oil-prime the motor, then replace the fuse.

Let us know what happens, GL!

 

Cartel and jhc:

Thanks so much for the comments and advice! I will let you know how it goes.

 

make sure you can turn it over 4 times with the plugs in and dont hydro-lock it with oil.
messy but you can crank it with no plugs to blow the oil out. maybe cover the head with an old shirt to block the splatter

 

I have an 05 APS single Turbo Z w/39k that sat in my yard for 7 years, I decided to start it up last June and all I did was jump it. Started on the 1st turn with no issue, and then about 20 minutes later while idling the battery went kaboom, replaced it and started right back up. I don’t think you’ll have any problems.