Hi folks,

new to toyota, looking at purchasing a 1986 camry, this car has been sitting for almost a year. I need help will getting this car to start. It had a dead battery which I successfully charged, the car now turns over but it will not fire. I am not at all familiar with toyotas especially not this year. The car has 3/4 tank of gas, now a least a year old, is there any way to restore this gas, should I put octane boost or something in the tank. I don't even know if it is getting fuel, or spark. Can anyone tell me the best place to check for fuel delivery and spark? Also, should I try spraying starter fluid into the air intake, if it fires that would prove bad gas correct. This is a nice car, if I can get it running I'd like to buy it, any suggestions in troubleshooting this problem would be greatly appreciated. thanks again.

 

Wouldn't the person selling the car be responsible for getting it started and running? Was the car running before it sat for a year? How many miles? Do you have any maintenance history?

Usually pulling a spark plug wire and grounding it as you start it will show spark if any. Spark must be strong and blue. If strong spark then spraying starter fluid into intake should at least give a cough or two.Hold throttle open as you spray andbe careful you don't get a backfire up intake, so keep your face clear. Probably not "bad" gas but fuel filter could be plugged with residue of old gas as gasoline tends to carmalize as it ages.Could also be water in gas or poor fuel pressure.Putting Seafoam or carb/injector cleaner in gastank should help with residue of old gas but if filter is plugged then replacing filter is only solution.Dry gas additive should help with water. You may be getting into more catch-up repair/maintenance items than this car is worth. Tires sitting also produce dry rot sothey also may be unsafe. The list goes on.