Hey all. Here's the situation due to my situation of working/living overseas for some time my Escort has not been used for 1.5 years, what are some things I need to check on the car?
I will be changing the engine oil, new oil filter, top up the gearbox oil, checking the brake fluid, replacing the battery, and checking tyre pressure. On top of that stuff, what else will I need to check? I will also be driving from Adelaide Hills to Perth so I need to check that it will last the 2,800km long drive.
 
With reguards to the battery, what CCA will be good for a 2L Pinto with an electric dizzy and a 55amp alternator?

id be taking the plugs out and turn the engine over by hand just in case the rings havent stuck in the bores. maybe a little WD40 down each bore and lightly rock the motor each way just incase it has frozen

Clean out the stale fuel and check the gasgets haven't shrunk.

MATTJ
id be taking the plugs out and turn the engine over by hand just in case the rings havent stuck in the bores. maybe a little WD40 down each bore and lightly rock the motor each way just incase it has frozen

I take it the WD40 is not a problem once combustion has happened? Wouldn't it also be a good idea to turn the engine over by hand to build oil pressure back up?

retro666
Clean out the stale fuel and check the gasgets haven't shrunk.

Which gaskets need to check, all of them or just the ones relating to the fuel system? Though most of the gaskets and seals are either 7 years old or 10 years old at this stage of the cars life.

To build up oil pressure wind it over with the starter with the plugs out. With the fuel check all gasgets as they dry and shrink, also it may be a good time to clean out the fuel tank. You may be surprised how much gunk is in it.

Unleaded fuel left sitting becomes a sticky mess and gums up everything. Make sure the fuel float/ sender gets a good clean. The tappet cover gasket is also a good one to replace. As regards lubing the bore I would have thought WD40 would wash the oil film from the bore. I would put a couple of squirts of light oil into the plug holes, put the old plugs back in and turn the engine over to renew the film in the bores. Once the engine fires there will be a bit of smoke to start but you wont have a chance to score dry bores.

My car sat for a good 5 years without once turning it over, and the tank looked like new on the inside once I finally drained it.  Maybe you'll get lucky too.

NQRS
Unleaded fuel left sitting becomes a sticky mess and gums up everything. Make sure the fuel float/ sender gets a good clean. The tappet cover gasket is also a good one to replace. As regards lubing the bore I would have thought WD40 would wash the oil film from the bore. I would put a couple of squirts of light oil into the plug holes, put the old plugs back in and turn the engine over to renew the film in the bores. Once the engine fires there will be a bit of smoke to start but you wont have a chance to score dry bores.

I did replace then sender about 7 years ago, think I have a spare laying around. All the seals were replaced then. Honestly, if minor engine damage does occur, not a huge deal. The engine only has to last two trips between Adelaide and Perth, and maybe 6 months driving around Perth. I'm getting a new engine built next year with my spare 205 block ;)
 

retro666
To build up oil pressure wind it over with the starter with the plugs out. With the fuel check all gasgets as they dry and shrink, also it may be a good time to clean out the fuel tank. You may be surprised how much gunk is in it.

CheeRS.
 

Flighter
My car sat for a good 5 years without once turning it over, and the tank looked like new on the inside once I finally drained it.  Maybe you'll get lucky too.

My fuel tank was cleaned about 10 years ago during the rebuild. So maybe it won't be too bad. I do have a spare tank laying around.

A bottle of Metho. in a 1/4 tank of fuel 3 or 4 times will get rid of water in the fuel 
system from condensation, a proportional amount of Injector Cleaner to fuel will also help.!!

I just dumped the old oil, it was still good, has fresh oil now. It cranks over just fine but it's not firing. After sleep (been up for 2 days now, and travelled across the globe) I'll dump the fuel and put fresh fuel in.