I just picked up a '72 Skylark Convt that hasn't been run in 4 years. I read about putting some oil in the plug holes and turning over the engine without the coil attached to circulate the oil. It was not properly stored, but was in a garage at least. I know to change the battery, fluids, belts, hoses, but would you have any tips to avoid damage? Also it this the best section to put the question under? Thanks Greg ________ Dodge kingsway
Jeez, no proper storage, 4 years later...Moisture builds up in oil whether the car runs or not, the oil needs to come up to temp just to get rid of the moisture, and hasn't for four years....get the gas out of that tank, at least, and get some new gas, pull apart the carb and check it out. Take out the oil pump and pack the gears with vaseline. Do NOT, I repeat DO NOT use a lithium grease of any kind, ***use Vaseline for packing the oil pump***. I'd recommend taking out the plugs and turning the engine over by hand to see if it moves at all, and if you get it running, don't forget that the brakes haven't been serviced in 4 years, too. make sure the brakes work before anything else. I know it's not a sexy as engine work, but I'd rather have to do a brake job than replace the front end of my car!
If a new water pump is cheap enough, that would be nice insurance. Look over your radiator too, flush the cooling system and replace the thermostat. Check the tires for dry-rot, and maybe repack the front bearings when you check the brakes. Also check the tranny fluid - if its low the tranny can overheat when you are idling for the first time after hybernation. New oil and temp sending units might be a good idea at this point. My car had been sitting outside 6 years, rotting away, before I returned it to the road. I replaced belts/hoses/thermostat, fuel pump/filter, oil/filter, starter/solinoid, upgraded the alternator to an internally regulated one, plugs/wires/cap/rotor; I should have primed it first, but luckily had no problems. Didn't even squirt oil in the cylinders (not suggesting you shouldn't, just setting the story). I should have also replaced the water pump, but it has been fine. Luckily it was parked with a full tank of gas, so I had no rusty/leaky fuel line problems. Mine fired up and has been running fine. These engines are tough. If you prep better than I did, it should be fine, provided it ran when parked.
I have a low mile 462 in the corner of my shop.. been there for 2.5 years. At shutdown, I killed it with tranny fluid, knocked out a freeze plug for winter storage (was that a mistake?). I'll be dropping it in my Riv soon and plan to get out the pre-oiler tool I have and spinning the oil pump to get it all distributed before fire up.. just like a brand new engine. I'll also pack the pump with vaseline. Maybe overkill but I like the margin of safety.
Considering the possiblities of breaking bolts off, when taking the oil pump cover off the timing cover, I would highly recommend that both you guys do a fresh oil change, fill the filter with oil when you put it back on the motor (ya' a little messy, but it can be done) and then pull the distributor and spin the oil pump with a primer.. I would be very surprised if you found that you had to pull the pump apart, and pack it.. And I would be inclined to say that the oil pump prolly needs to be rebuilt.. or is damaged. Like I said before.. I never pack a pump with anything, on the motors built here, just dunk the gears in oil before I put them together, and pour a little oil into the pump, and run it by hand, before I put the timing cover on the motor.. never had one that would not prime immediately..
Thanks! Started first try! I just got back from getting it started. Did an oil change(filled new filter with oil before installing, battery, tune up (points condenser dist cap, rotor), checked the plugs, drained the gas, topped off radiator (will flush next). I was told to pull the coil wire and let the starter circulate some oil before starting. My buddy pulled it but then left it on top of the cap. The car started immediately after cranking. First try. I looked at him, he looked at me. How? Seems the spark was arcing from the wire to the top of the cap. Reconnected the wire since damage if any was done. Used some carb cleaner and let it run about 15-20 minutes. Next is clean the interior, replace the plugs and wires. Then it will get a new dual exhaust (current single is shot so let's do it right!) Brake pedal was solid so I'll drive it with my buddy in front of me with my Suburban just in case the brakes fail. Any suggestions on a vendor for the exhaust system? What about a crossover? Thanks for all of your help. ________ Iolite Vaporizer
