[Mike C]

Valves are known to stick if you get a motor running that has gas that is mostly gone bad. Lots of times fresh fuel will be splashed in to get it running then the poor fuel will actually fire on the warm engine. But when the engine is shut off, the varnished fuel deposits CAN cause the valves to stick. This may not be related to your problems at all, but hopefully will help someone thinking about running a vehicle that has been sitting a long time.

Water can help, but be VERY judicious in it’s application. ATF is also used to help clean the engine top end while running and requires the same slow, metered application.