Can anyone give me some simple (like me) procedures for starting a car that has been sitting idle for a few years?

Obviously charge the battery, but after that.....?

I have a couple of cars in this state - will turn over but not fire up.

Any suggestions welcome.:thumb

turn over and check spark ,if ok make sure there is new fuel not old in it,pour a LITTLE DOWN THE CARB, and turn again ,if you can they say you should pour a little oil in each cylinder threw the plug hole a couple of days earlier if you can to lube every thing up ,check the plugs while out ,have i missed anything guys

Battery won't charge after sitting for a few years unless its been 'floated'

CHANGE ALL OIL before you do anything. Turn engine over by hand with rocker cover removed to check for sticking valves. Turn engine on starter for as long as it takes - minutes - to get oil gurgling to TOP END of engine and make sure EACH AND EVERY rocker/etc is getting oil asthere may be pushrod blockages

Then you may safely kick it in the guts

Check plugs; check for spark etc if required

wheel bearings and brakes will need some love

[ Edited on 1-8-2006 by VWCOOL ]