Abandoned Airplane Will It Start? 10 Years in the Dark 

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For an engine that has been sitting, pull at least one plug per cylinder, squirt some oil in each cylinder, leave the plugs out, turn the engine over until there's oil pressure. Pretty hard on alot of components in the engine, with everything totally dry of oil, to just start it. Get some oil flowing with no compression loads on the bearings first. Also, the cam and lifters need some juice before firing it up too.

You know, I think this reveals something unique about aviation and pilots love of flying. These planes are everywhere, and the story is typically the same: old fella in denial about his mortality and hangs on to that hope of returning to the sky until he dies. Perhaps we need to change our attitude, by letting this happen we deprive of the next generation of pilots their opportunity to own a plane.

I used to fly 172:s and 152:s in my youth. Was a member of an aviation club here in Finland. Nowadays my former airfield EFHF, a historical place, has been closed down by the city of Helsinki to build apartments on the runways.😥 The 172 has been sold to some guys returning it to its previous life as an pontoon equipped seaplane and I believe also the 152 Acrobat was sold. I loved the 172 so much, it was like a flying cow….or imagine your grandma was an airplane…just as docile and trustworthy.❤️ The 152:s were so small, it was like dressing in an airplane. My grandmother’s brother was a fighter pilot flying the Brewster, the Finnish Airforce purchased some from the US. I’m not flying anymore, too expensive nowadays in my country, and not enough spare time anymore to make it possible. Maybe it will be possible again once I get old, who knows, I loved flying.

It’s honestly surprising that it started that quickly and ran that smooth. Good call on the compression test, just seeing it start and run it would have been easy to wright it off as a solid engine.

Am so glad there were no yokes in that plane. That crazy guy was so excited he could have taken off. 😊

I know what you mean about high wings and checking the fuel. I trained in 172s. I bought a Musketeer last January. One disadvantage of a low wing is that you have to walk around the wing, unless you want to crawl under it. That's more than made up for by the ease with which you can check the fuel. Edited to add: I left this comment right after I got to that part in the video. Near the start I was thinking, "Yeah, you could spend $100,000 to restore it, and have a $70,000 airplane." That was a total swag, and I was surprised to hear basically the same thing at the end.

year is 3021, deep space, an engineer starting his ship with a hammer tap

There are many owners out there that don't realize that airplanes are in fact perishable items. If you leave them sit for long periods of time, abandoned, its usually going to cost ten times as much to make them airworthy again. This poor Cessna 172 plane is a good example of that unfortunately. You would be looking at close to $150,000 to get this bird back in the air and you would lose your shirt on the resale value alone, which is not nearly worth the cost to restore it. The only way to restore an aircraft like this is if you owned a flight school where you use this plane as a trainer aircraft, then you may recover some of the maintenance cost to restore it eventually through flight training costs and aircraft rental fees, but it won't all happen overnight.

I bought a 1947 luscombe8a that sat for 19 years and I took my time and after a few months of going through everything and rebuilding the engine and getting inspections it flew. I fly it ever week multiple times a week I love that airplane. That little Cessna is not lost by any means but please take you’re time and be careful

I'm an A@P and he made the right decision. It was fun watching anyway. Airplanes are like a box of chocolates....you never know what you are going to get.

Wow! Goosebumps. N20504 was the first airplane I flew in as a kid. I could barely see over the dash in the right seat. My uncle owned this aircraft in the 90’s. He taught his kids how to fly in this plane. Pretty incredible coming across it in a RU-vid video. Sad to see it in its current state… where is it currently located?

I had a 1966 Cessna Skyhawk with the Continental engine. Cried when I had to sell it. Great little plane.

Good call on letting it go. I’ve worked on aircraft for about 20 years. As soon as you got that engine cowl open all I could see was money fly out the window. Not to mention all the gauges and avionics missing and the corrosion to boot. Yeah it’s definitely no where near worth what he’s asking for it.

This is my first time watching Jimmys World. He seems a likable guy, though when he showed us the cockpit, oh boy, I hope you enjoy a challenge, I'll check back in a few days. Amazing...got her started...nice!

Jimmy, It was such a thrill to see that engine start. Thanks for sharing the "ride".

I really enjoy watching Jimmy's videos! I took aviation mechanics/airframe/powerplant two year course at MacArthur Airport, Long Island, N.Y. in high school! I loved it!!! Went to work for Grumman Aircraft right after graduation! But left aviation mechanics and instead got into HVAC work. Eventually started my own business. But watching Jimmy's videos has spurred my desire for aircraft!!! Thanks Jimmy!!!!!

Whoa, she’s alive. Love it. Know she didn’t work out but love the barn finds or crusty starts. Would be great to see one found like this in the air. I’m a lover of car barn finds, revivals, and restores. Be great to see more single piston revivals. Even though it fell through, favorite video.

Love your appreciation OF old planes and the fun of getting them flying again.

Back in 2005 I bought a 1969 C 152 that was a ramp queen. Was going to use the plane for putting around, keep current,, etc.. previously sat for 7y. Got it started, ran it, was okay. I bought the plane for 7k. Left it parked while I decided what to do. Wound up selling it on ebay for 16k and the new owner had it trucked out after taking the wings off. Wasn't a bad ROI: 9K for 4 months. Haven't done it since. I figured I got lucky that time!

ive always wanted to be a pilot, even just a light aircraft pilot. im learning SO MUCH from your videos thank you so much, yeah i just found my favourite youtuber you are hilarious aswell your awesome :)

After a few rebuilds I’ve learned the rule of thumb is there are TWO additional layers beneath the surface layer you are making the resto assessment on so double/triple costs and time.

This sort of reminded me of the scene in *Star Wars Episode I* when Anakin first starts up the pod-racer he was building.

First thought as soon as the door opened and I saw it, despite the dirt, was what a pretty little aircraft with great potential. Plenty of time on 172’s and what a great aircraft.

Great video, Jimmy. I share your enthusiasm for an old engine sparking into life. Mine are mostly motorcycle engines and I’d risk a spin out. Guess an old plane needs rather more care. I’d add to the comments that piston rings get stuck and open valves get rusty and don’t seat properly but expensive just to strip the heads. I’m stunned at the cost of cylinders. Plus the other work involved. I see liability not asset. Look forward to the next one!

I haven’t seen any used 172s going for 60 to 80k in a long time. In similar condition, it’s been about the same estimate. So, good call, leave it!

Be sure to check the wing spar attachment points and blocks. I had to replace one this year. Big pain and the shops quoted $7k. Found a good IA who would work with me and did it for less than $3k.

2½ years ago I purchased a 1974 PA28R-200 Piper Arrow that had been in a Hangar for 10 years. I bought it for $10,000, after another $15,000 and 4 months she was flying. I have been flying her ever since.

Run it for a while and the compression should come back up after the rings break back in. Cars when they sit do the same but will usually come around after a few heat cycles

"Financially suicidal things" - this has to require balls of steel. Mad respect.

You just took the concept of Hoovie's Garage to the next level. I like it!

Same paint scheme as my dad's old 172! Brings back memories!!!

A few years ago my brother-in-law came across an Aeronca 7AC for sale. Owner had passed and it had been sitting in a shed for 10+ years. He changed the oil, replaced the spark plugs, chocked it and spun the prop. It started right up. He bought it and took it home for refurbishment.

Of course the oil looks clean on the dipstick! After sitting for years, the contaminants all settle to the bottom of the sump. Try loosening the drain plug and see what drips out!

I restored a t-tail Lance for its owner 15 years ago that had been sitting idle at a coastal airport in CT for three years. Fortunately it had chrome cylinders and the cam was clean. I flew it for 3 years until an engine case crack grounded it permanento.

“Time for a dance!!” I love it! You got my subscription with that little victory jig!

Your excitement is infectious Jimmy as I AM AS EXCITED FOR YOU. cheers b

Finding a deal like the last one will be tough. And, what goes up usually comes down, including airplane prices. Thanks, best wishes!

Ahhh it’s alive,! I’m very excited. Will love to see it fixed by you,! Jimmy you’re the man!

Just come across your channel and I Fn love it, I used to overhaul hartzell, McCauley,Beech,Ham Std,Sensenich props and I love anything aviation! keep up the GR8 vids!!!!

It's nice to see a plane run again after so much time!

First red flag was when it didn’t make it past the annual five (or 10) years ago. Think the owner would’ve mentioned that before he went through all that trouble.

Probably rusty cylinders, would have been interesting to look in before starting it

Well, seems like guys with gm trucks aren’t the only people who hit their starters with a hammer😂

Wow. You Did It. Awesome Video thanks for Sharing.

Go for it Jimmy, you got me hooked!

Great video Jimmy. sorry to hear that the old plane may be on its way to parts. The good owner should give it to a team that would rebuild it. I know that is asking a lot, but these old planes need to be preserved. I know, its a Cessna 172, but what a sad thing seeing this one go out for parts.

First time on this channel, seems like hoovie’s garage with wings. Earned a subscribe 😎

Imagine flying that immediately after starting it for the fist time in years

This is turning into the Hoovies Garage of airplanes lol. Love it!

Oh Jimmy….glad you walked away from that one. From a 6 seater to a slower 4 seater, hmmm. If you’re looking Cessna single, find a 210 to work on!

This is cool! I went skydiving out of a Cessna 172 back in 1990.

I enjoy all your videos! You put humor into your work but you definitely know your stuff. 63 and numerous back surgeries along with both hips I don’t think that day will ever come. Keep going on these old planes to get them in the air again.❤❤😅😅😅

Jimmy, We have learned so much from you about this "potential" purchase. Walk A Way

You know someone is happy when you can hear the whopping and hollering over the engine noise. EXCELLENT. Until the other shoe dropped.

First legal self done modification every new Cessna owner performs...removing grab-bar, cowl-step and strut rest. This thing is beautiful! So much history and hangar flying it must encompass.

Somewhere around 15:20 Jimmy said it's possible that something is disconnected...so funny I hit subscribe immediately.

The highlight of this video was the dance great job! Jimmy

At 3:53 when I saw you picking the corrosion away with the key, I was hoping you didn't get it. It would be a triumph to restore this bird, but let it be someone else's triumph.

Flew my 1973 C172M N20203 flawlessly for seven years all over the eastern USA. What an awesome, comfortable (enough) and stable VFR AND IFR (in IMC!) travel machine.

My grandfather passed away in 2001, he left a lot of really neat things. Among the the things left is a Piper J-3 Cub. If interested reach out. Great channel.

This guys in Lakeland are the best. They can get it running. I based my Cessna 320 there for about a 2 months doing survey and those guys took care of all our needs. and the food truck on Sundays are good. Hope to see you there Jimmy next time I stop by.

This is for someone with money that just loves saving planes. I got a 1961 Cessna 210 with 150 hours on engine, 2700 hours on airframe, IFR ready for $60k . 1 year ago. Tons of upgrades in great shape, patience…

Wohooo!!!! Im over here whooping it up with you when that sucker fired up!!! Love your Channel!!! Keep it up!!!!

I love your enthusiasm, Jimmy. God bless you brother. I subbed your channel

You would have to strip that down to bare frame and then down to bare metal. That corrosion and rust is your main concern. The mice have probably chewed up all the wiring harnesses and every single one would need replaced. Depending on how much you do yourself and how much you send out, it’s 40 hours a week for a year and no less than $100k. Good luck

Glad I found you. Flying has always intrigued me. BFH's seem to have a world wide application for all internal combustion engines.

Hey Jimmy, I used to fly a 1967 Cessna Skyhawk 172. What a beautiful Airplane!!

Among the plethora of things I would never buy I believe an aeroplane is number one, followed by a boat, a horse and other expensive toys that provide great happiness the day you buy them and an even greater one when you get rid of them.

First time watching. I love the enthusiasm when the engine kicks over and starts! That's the type of plane I had my first ever flight in. Never landed with the plane. My friend and I tried Skydiving. I did 6 jumps. That was enough for me. 😉😊 Too bad the engine was too far gone.

I love planes always thought it would be awesome to get my pilots license and a small little airplane to take a quick afternoon flight somewhere and then I actually looked into it. Even a 30-40 year old plane is going to cost you $100k to get it in the air... Whether you have the knowledge of engines and the mechanicals yourself and DIY the rebuild (and spend the money for the inspections and such) or you buy it rebuilt with all the inspections its going to cost you almost half and probably then other half of what it cost originally when the annuals come around. Planes aren't cheap to own or fly. It kinda crushes the next generation from even bothering with it.

Fun video Jimmy. Thanks for making it.

Good to see somebody doing something with these abandoned birds

C172's corrosion spots are underneath the strip of the front window, underneath the rear window and the cabin near the air vents.

Heck yeah love the retro type paint scheme 👍👍 since this one didn’t work out I think it’s a sign that you need a family mobile 206/210!! Or 310 🧐🧐

I enjoyed this very much and understand the joy of an engine starting after sitting. Given the compression measurements, I'm surprised the engine started. You can't beat a Lycoming motor. I learned on a Cessna 182 with a variable pitch prop and have never lost my love for aviation. I still have my school books from ground school and would like to duplicate Mr. Lindbergh's flight to Paris but I'm afraid that's just a dream.

Phil has the look of every General Aviation maintenance Supervisor or DOM. Glasses, beard, power ring grey hair, and lots of knowledge.

Anyone else feel bad for the guy opening the door after he said open that thing all the way up? lol

Wow, i always like the "Start old after 10 years" type of videos. I didn't know there were also ones featuring a plane 😁

I just turned 90 and I am so proud of you. The best of everything in your future with your "dream come true" experience. Happy days! Jim

I love this stuff. How have i not seen your channel before. Every time i drive by the airport and see those sad old ramp queens sitting there waiting for some love that never comes.. Im gonna wait for the video that shows us how you make some of this cash back LOL

The corrosion would be a show-stopper for me. $5K tops.

Certified general aviation is insane. 30k for a 1940s tech engine that might produce 150hp in the best of times, and that hasn't changed one bit in 80 years? Stupid. Your comment about "pay for an engine, get the plane for free" is soooo true. Being required to keep the plane trapped in a time-warp due to FAA regulation is the whole problem.

Very cool! Was not also the 320 had High oil temp? Had us going for awhile!, alas with rebuild/replacement a tad too expensive! Great video! thanks!

Love those little high wings 172, Ive got to start snooping around an airport

19:55 that''s what's called lycoming reliability! first start after over 10 yr and no misfire ;)

Pro tip: spray the Bendix drive with silicon oil at every oil change. :)

Yep! certainly Hoovie's garage with wings.. love airplanes, Jimmy you are entertaining, great Vlog.

Only just found you, just as excited as you love it.

this guy is like the Hoovies garage of airplanes. I love it

I would love to see the plane I grew up flying in the air again. N9344M now in San Jose, CA. A 1966 Mooney M20E C/N 1276. I learned to fly with my dad from Paradise Skypark CA92 to Hayward Airport (HWD) West Winton Ave/Clawiter Rd, Hayward, CA. daily to work and school. I am now 68 years old and dad is 88. Now I am an avid Flight Sim Pilot but I've renumbered all my planes in the Sim to N9344M. It's in my blood and I can't shake it. Thanks 4 sharing 😃

I love the will they start videos This is my first of yours and first aviation one Definitely will watch more

Good morning Jimmys good work !!!!

Sticker on starter: “do not strike with hammer” Me: “don’t tell me how to live my life!”

150!!! 150!! The corrosion alone would have had me runn'in..

🥰🥰🥰 watching you work on this is going to be my favorite video 🥰🥰🥰🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

24:56 The only reason you aren't already flying that thing is red tape and beaurocracy. You know it's a good engine. It: 1: doesn't smoke blue 2: fires on all 4 3: Starts up with just a couple of revolutions 4: Transitions to and from idle 5: Idles like a boss 6: Hits on all 4 even at full power. You have a perfectly viable engine here, one I would be confident enough to fly. It's a shame you can't just throw a cowl on it and fly it without getting in a shitton of trouble. Ah well. Be perfect to build a dune buggy around or somethin' like that.

What a great tool that "BFH" is!!

The owner is dreaming if he is gonna get 20K for that junk. Not only will it need what you mentioned but it will need a repaint and body refurbishment and most likely total rewiring through the whole plane and hydraulics. It aint worth 5K.

My dad flew a Cessna 172 and then upgraded a tad too the 182rg. He kept his planes immaculate. I thought of him when you were chipping away at the paint.