The engine turns freely and is a 401 nailhead in a '65 Rivie. The carb linkage is also free. Just looking for tips on starting an old motor that has been sitting for 20 years. Thanks, John
Change the oil remove the spark plugs spin the motor be hand spray a lube ( like WD40) into the spark plug holes spin the motor over again by hand put in new plugs change/look at the rotor and cap. at least check the condition and/or replace the plug wires put in new fuel
all of the above :Smarty: and I'd try my best to rinse out the oil pan. Sludge will form in only a few years and you don't want to try to suck that into the pick up. The pickup will probably clog and then bypass. Then the sludge will be pumped throughout the engine. I'd try flushing with kerosene. Then be sure to prime the oil pump just before starting the engine. The change the oil again after you get it warmed up for the first time. Good luck :TU:
Don't start it!! This is my experience. 70 350 Lesabre, sat 12 years, 41k miles. for "good measure" I threw an ignition tune up at it, oil and filter. it was sludgy, but not bad. good enough to see if it will run anyway. After realizing the water pump, fuel pump and carb were all shot I got it going. The fuel pump I put an electric ticker in its place, and the water pump I didn't worry about since I didn't intend to get it hot. The carb I also left alone. well it ran, started up, no smoking some lifter ticking but it quieted down. ok I try to sell the motor, luckily no one buys it. Finally decide to put it in my truck and be done with it. I tear it down. 3 exhaust valves were stuck down, one broken valve spring, one bent valve, and a pushrod in the shape of a "Z" and all sorts of rust everywhere. the insides of the valve covers actually rusted. the top end was covered in rust and goo. the short block was ok, only ran the motor for about a minute so no damage was done, but that rust and crap was everywhere. Luckily it wouldn't run. I figured it was the carb since it was completly dried out and leaking. so, I would atleast pull the valve covers off and turn it slowly by hand to makesure the valves move, if its relativly clean. knowing what I know now, next time the motor comes out and apart before starting.
very good point :TU: :Smarty: I hadn't thought of that. If there is a lot of moisture, the exposed valve stems will rust and if it's bad enough they'll hang. This is another reason to block off the intake and exhaust when storing an engine for extended periods. Cylinder wall rust is the other.
Along with all of the other good suggestions change your thermostat! I tosted an engine after having a valve job done, the thermostat stayed closed.:spank:
Thanks for the info. I have started the process of prepping the motor as suggested above, but I have gone thru all my sockets up to 1-1/16" trying to turn the motor over by hand. What dang size is the bolt that holds the harmonic balancer on for a 1965 401 Nailhead?o No: I appreciate all your help!, John
Great thread. I just got a '64 Wildcat with the 425 that has been sittin for some time. I heard it run about 10 years ago, but since someone stole the carb and it just sat, then I got it. Good info on here thanks again. Sammy
I was jus going to change the oil, trans fluid, spark and wires, and drop and clean the gas tank which seems to be in great shape. Oh and put in a new gas gauge sending unit.
Started up a '38 Chivvy that sat behind an old lady's house for a loooooooong time; last registered in '67!!!! Filled an empty beer bottle with gas (put the bottle cap back on with a nail hole in the top to squirt gas), primed the carb, hooked up a fresh battery, and away she went!!! That thing started up almost instantly. My buddies and I were so amazed that it would even turn over, much less run. Now If I were you . . . don't do what I did. Use the advise above^^^^^ :TU:
