1999 Legacy Outback Wagon Sitting For a Year

[drewpear]

i'm working on  this vehicle replacing some timing parts.

the vehicle hasn't run for a year or so.

of course i will be anxious to start it up after the timing work, but

i'm feeling there may be some things i should do before i try to start it.

oil and filter change comes to mind.

what else should i be concerned with?

 

thank you.

[DaveT]

Check the cooling system.

Gas may be stale. If it's less than half, add a few gallons of new.

Sitting outside or in a garage?

[drewpear]

Check the cooling system.

Gas may be stale. If it's less than half, add a few gallons of new.

Sitting outside or in a garage?

mostly outside

[idosubaru]

The biggest question is why did it sit for a year?  A pristine driving Subaru with zero issues rarely sits in a pasture for a year. 

 

Subaru's routinely crank right up after sitting for long periods of time.  I have no idea how many times I've done it, a year is chump change, I wouldn't even think about it.  But yeah gas ages terribly so that's certainly a noteworthy point.

[lmdew]

Disconnect the coil Plug and crank it over until the oil light goes out to ensure you have it lubricated.  Then plug the coil back in and start it.

[1 Lucky Texan]

first 2-3 stops should be in a 'controlled' area in case there's a lot of rust the pads need to get through. I guess monitor for any issues after you begin driving it (sticking calipers, rodent-chewed wires, etc.), perhaps accelerate some fluid changes. Tires over 6-7 years old or more might be starting to rot ?