Starting an engine that has been sitting for years...

[moe]

I'm getting a few bits and pieces together to facilitate the cranking over of my convertible's engine. From what I can tell it was last serviced in '81; and has been sitting in a shed for many years.

I don't know if the engine is a runner or not, but willing to have a fair crack at it.

I'm planning to:
1) fresh oil
2) pull the plugs and tip some oil into the bores and let sit for 24/48 hours
3) oil pump primer, to get the fresh oil circulating around the block.
4) turn engine over by hand
5) crank over
6) compression check
7) fresh fuel (can't be too good what's left)
plugs in and see how she fires up

If all good, then new plugs, leads, coil, fuel and air filters... then on to the gear box.

Does that sound like an okay list? Am I missing anything?

[blkpny]

A really cool tool I have, is an old distributor shaft, when I have a motor that is fresh, we pull the dissy, and use the shaft in a strong cordless drill, and turn it over untill we see oil in the rocker covers.

If you don't want to pull the dissy, as the timing is already set, and you don't want to make the start up of an old motor any harder that it may be, I would at least fill it with oil in both rocker covers, not just the one with the filler.
When you go to start it, pull the coil lead, and crank it until the oil light goes out, then reconnect the lead.
Use a fresh battery, and maybe a jumper pack/car, so the starter isn't struggling.

[moe]

I do have access to an oil pump priming tool. Not using the battery in the car as it is a little dead.

Have a lead on a truck battery that will fit the space nicely and take the repro battery top covers.

[jusTANG]

whens the big day moe????

happy to come and help if i am off

[moe]

whens the big day moe????

happy to come and help if i am off

Not sure yet - I'm moving into the new place next weekend whilst the wifey finishes off the old place. My main focus will be to sort out the shed, and start moving stuff across. I'm expecting 2-3 weeks, then collect the vert and bring her to the new home.

[MustangMedic]

Hey Moe.
Don't forget I have a contact for cheap batteries, wouldn't you need to make sure the fuel system has clean fuel and is primed up so if the carby gaskets have dried up you could give them time to swell back up. Otherwise it could leak a heap of fuel all over the place. I'll lend you a couple of fire extinguishers if you need them.

[Ausjacko]

HI Moe
I'm with Blkpony- oil pressure is a must. You want the bearings lubed as best you can before giving her a whirl. Also is a good chance to clear the oil galleries. Be a bugger to fire her up only to grab a bearing due to a blocked gallery.
Like Justin, always willing to give a hand if needed.
Cheers
Jacko

[Nuts]

Go for it!!

I'm getting a few bits and pieces together to facilitate the cranking over of my convertible's engine. From what I can tell it was last serviced in '81; and has been sitting in a shed for many years.

I don't know if the engine is a runner or not, but willing to have a fair crack at it.

I'm planning to:
1) fresh oil
2) pull the plugs and tip some oil into the bores and let sit for 24/48 hours
3) oil pump primer, to get the fresh oil circulating around the block.
4) turn engine over by hand
5) crank over
6) compression check
7) fresh fuel (can't be too good what's left)
plugs in and see how she fires up

If all good, then new plugs, leads, coil, fuel and air filters... then on to the gear box.

Does that sound like an okay list? Am I missing anything?

[hybrid]

I think you've pretty much got it covered.
Be careful when you try to turn the engine over for the first time in case the rings are stuck to the bore.

The oil you're leaving in for a day or so should do the trick.

[moe]

sweet - thanks for your input guys.

Might have to do an ACT BBQ when I finally get it ready to fire for the first time...

[MustangMedic]

Good idea moe, I'd get the duggo park boys down for a feed at the same time.

[ozbilt]

Someone mention food?

I am there....

[moe]

I'm guessing it would be 6-8 weeks away; Will try and coincide when you are in oz, ozbilt.

[eri67]

might have to make a reconnaissance mission at that time.

[moe]

might have to make a reconnaissance mission at that time.

you still thinking about moving???