Starting Jiffy after a few years

[EJ]

Guys,

I have a Jiffy Legend with a 3 HP Tecumseh that has not been ran for 4 or 5 years. Should I do anything regarding lubrication or anything prior to trying to run it?

Thanks,

EJ

[Ryan_V]

It's a jiffy, put gas in and fire it up!

Honestly though, it depends on how it was last summerized. If it wasn't ran dry, the carb is likely gummed up and will need attention. i would just put some fresh gas and oil in her and give her some cranks, if it starts, great, if not, then you troubleshoot. A little oil or fogging oil in the cylinder wouldn't hurt. I don't believe there is any harm in just trying to start it.

My old jiffy just won't die! It's probably 25 years old!

[hawgchaser]

The formula I grew up with for preparing engines that had set for an extended time was to squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil into the cylinders; crank the engine a few times to lubricate the rings/cylinders; let it set for a day or so and then start it up. Supposedly the rings get brittle after setting dry for so long. Can't verify, but I continue to follow the procedure.

[Luke_M]

Give it a shot of wd in the cylinder, fill it up with fresh gas and give it a rip. I would guess if its been sitting for a few yours you may need a carb kit, the diaphragm in those tend to get hard after a while. If the primer line and fuel lines are bad replace them other than that they are a very bulletproof auger.

[nofishfisherman]

I picked up a Model 30 2 years ago that had been sitting for a couple years. I don't think it was summarized, more or less just set aside and forgot about.

The fuel line had cracked so luckily the gas had drained out of the tank at some point. I replaced the fuel line, replaced the spark plug just because I had an extra, put in some fresh gas and oil, gave it a liberal dose of Sea Foam and then fired it up.

It fired up on maybe the 5th or 6th pull. Been running fine since without any extra effort.