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This car last ran in the fall of 2015. The fuel was drained from the tank right after it was parked (I don't know if the car was started to run the carb dry or not). The loving owner unfortunately passed away early the following spring. It has been sitting in an unheated NE Ohio garage since that time.
My question is: What do I need to do to get the car running again without damaging the engine due to lack of lubrication? I would assume that the cylinders, piston rings and bearings would be fairly dry after sitting 6 years.
I would see if the motor spins over. drain old oil. prime engine with new oil. fresh gas. crank it up and watch for leaks. then go over everything else. like cooling and such. its a old chevy nothing special
One of the most important things to check for is stuck valves, you can cause damage turning the engine over with valves that are stuck open, and yes prime the oiling system just like you would on a fresh engine rebuild before you initially start it….. if it turns over, great, if not, wet the cylinders down / soak with, Marvel mystery oil, you’d be surprised, sometimes they free up and run great. Of course fresh oil, make sure the cooling system is adequate, and who knows about the fuel/carb,, but those are just common sense things.
Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders and turn it over by hand first to make sure nothing is binding. If it turns freely I would change the oil and filter, fill the filter with oil when changing it, pull the distributor and prime the system by turning the pump rod.
I use to have an old distributor shaft hooked up to a drill for priming.
When it starts make sure to watch the carb for fuel dumping if the float needle sticks.
As someone else said, watch for leaks.
Personally I would error on the side of caution. Make sure rings are free first. Pulling the distributor and priming the engine is no big deal and cheap insurance. And lastly, I would get a known good carb from another car. Around here ethanol in gas is a killer if car sits. Just sayin.
Obviously he meant rocket science/ brain surgery…. a combination there of. , and I agree….. It just doesn’t hurt to check the valves to ensure they’re free.
Obviously he meant rocket science/ brain surgery…. a combination there of. , and I agree….. It just doesn’t hurt to check the valves to ensure they’re free.
NO. I meant what I wrote.... rocket surgery.
Don't try to put words in my mouth... um,... keyboard.
I agree with Jim, five years is nothing, turn over by hand , prime if you want to, start it up. Only thing I would add is have someone else on hand to help check for leaks, four eyes are better than two at start up. I am near you, let me know if you need a hand.
Terry
Discovered with this ethanol gas after 2 yrs (took a neighbors new 770 apart) everything inside was dried and hard as a rock. Gaskets, PV shot needle/seat orings etc. Id put a refresh kit on it first.
20 yrs ago Id have just fired it up.
Soon as you turn the key, that system is about primed and the crank is slinging oil on the cam lobes. Priming is ok but wont do that. hate to say it but unless its a brand new engine I never do that.
You people are overthinking this..... by a LOT!!!!
Sure, rotate the engine by hand to ensure nothing is stuck and that it isn't locked up.
After that, connect a fresh battery, put fresh fuel in the tank, prime the carburetor, and turn the key.
This ain't rocket surgery.
I'd err just a little bit on the side of caution and not prime the carb. For my cars that sit for extended periods, I crank the engine until the oil pressure begins registering and then prime the carb or pump the accelerator. That way I know it's at least got some oil moving to parts that need it before it fires up at 1000 rpm. This was also recommended by the machinist/builder for my 454 and what he does with his vintage cars.
The car was trailered home today by one of my Corvette friends. It is a very exciting for me but an emotional day for the widow. Thanks to all that offered their assessments of the pictures to help me feel comfortable with the purchase and the great advice on getting the car running after 6 years of storage.
Beautiful! I completely understand the mixed feelings for you and the seller.
Not to be an alarmist safety ****... BUT, make sure you check the date codes on those tires. The recommendation is to change them out around the 10 year mark. Sitting for 6 years plus the time since purchase can add up to 10 years easily. They may look fantastic as far as tread wear but you run the very real risk of de-lamination after 12-15 years. Many examples of tire failure here on the forums.
Yes, Beautiful car, I totally agree, a great find (solid lifter split window in a great 63 color combination)…. An emotional event for the widow I’m sure, but she should be comforted knowing is going to be well cared for/in good hands (as he would’ve wanted).
And regarding the old tires, check the dates for sure, I had one come apart, Not pretty.
Oh and the knock off wheels? Looks like he’s got at least one adapter on the wrong side… see the left front? (the left rear appears to be correct) you’ll need to check that out, who knows, they might be Bolt-on knock offs?
10-08-2021, 02:36 PM
Advice to restart 327/340HP engine after 6 years of storage
None taken.
begee22
