97 Toyota Corolla questions

[farmmom]

I recently purchased a 97 Toyota Corolla through an estate auction. It currently doesn't run. It's been sitting 2 years with a full gas tank. The catalytic converter has also been stolen off of it, which I will be having replaced with a straight pipe. When I attempt to jump start it, it does try to turn over, so I'm wondering if the fuel is bad, or if the fuel filter or pump needs to be replaced. I'm waiting for the repair manual to show up at the auto parts store, and then I plan to replace the spark plugs and check all the gaskets for rot.

I guess my question is, do I need to empty the gas tank and start with fresh, and if so, what is the best way to tackle this? Also, what would be the best way to dispose of the old gas?

[totustuus]

If the car has been sitting for two years with that same tank of gas, it definitely needs fresh fuel.
What to do with the old stuff? Good question.

Give the battery a good charging. Put in clean fuel. Change the oil and filter.
Stick to the basics before you start replacing stuff. An engine needs fuel, air and spark. Make sure you have all three.

Good luck.

[fishhead]

Our county landfill takes old gas and oil and burns it in a special high temperature furnace.

If that isn't an option I'd talk with someone at a gas station. They probably know what to do with it.