Remove air cleaner and cover the carburettor in a similar fashion. Wipe all over the engine and engine compartment, avoiding electronic or electric components. Allow it to soak in a few minutes, and then hose it off. If the engine is not clean, repeat the procedure using a small brush to work the cleaner into particularly dirty spots. If the engine won't start when you've finished, clean any moisture from distributor and coil wire cables, then spray them with a water displacing lubricant.
Some enthusiasts replace all high- wear items when they first purchase their cars.
This strategy will give you a baseline for future reference-you'll know just how old these components are. Maintenance items include air filter, PCV valve, sparkplugs, fuel filter, distributor cap and rotor, ignition cables, and, in cars with contact breaker ignition, points and condenser. Begin the maintenance tune up by removing all of the sparkplugs. Carefully note the condition of the old plugs. Depending on type of fuel used and model year of the car, their colour can range from white to grey to light brown.