Advice on restarting my engine after three years

[Michael L.]

[Mark E.]

Re: Advice on restarting my engine after three years

I would put fresh oil in it and prime it. And watch the carb... sometimes the float can stick in the open position if left dry for a long time.

[Jim L.]

Re: Advice on restarting my engine after three years

If it were mine, I would prime the carburetor and turn the key. I would NOT change the oil first or do anything else. I've let engines sit for far longer than three years and they re-awakened with no issues.

[Frank D.]

Re: Advice on restarting my engine after three years

I'd worry more about the quality of the gas (if its sat with a tankful) and deal with that, then examine the oil and if all is well fire it up. Outside if possible with a fire extinguisher handy - just makes good sense... If I store a motor I generally drain the fuel, shoot a squirt of oil into each cylinder through the spark plug hole and rotate the engine manually every so often but many don't...

[Terry D.]

Re: Advice on restarting my engine after three years

Has the car sat in a heated garage? I like Jim have started engines that have sat longer with no preperations. But on a new motor that you want to last I would prime the oil, Assuming you put stabilizer in the gas you should be good to go, if not put some dry gas in just to be sure. Fire extinguisher is always a good idea.

[Ray K.]

Re: Advice on restarting my engine after three years

I would pull the spark plugs and put a light squirt of oil in each cylinder and turn the engine over a couple of times by hand or with the starter - reinstall the spark plugs, prime the carb, turn the switch and fire it off.

Ray

[Danny P.]

Re: Advice on restarting my engine after three years

Guys,


I’m getting ready to restart my rebuilt 350 L46 in my 69 coupe. I had the engine dyno’d three years ago so it’s been broken in and had a few pulls on it. Then I installed it on the chassis and proceeded to finish the restoration. I’m now ready to start it in the car. It has a hydraulic roller cam. Do I need to take any special measures since it’s been sitting for three years? Thanks for your help.


Mike

What i would do is remove the coil wire or connector to dist. , it been on the dyno so everything is set up , make sure you have fully charge battery and just roll the engine over to get the oil system prime up and your getting gas to the carb. and make sure your getting good shots of gas into carb. check for leaks and put coil wire back on and fire it up and recheck for leaks.

[Michael L.]

[Jim L.]

Re: Advice on restarting my engine after three years

Mike

While you are grinding on the starter, the crank is turning too slowly to sling oil onto the cylinder walls. You would be well served by filling the carb, priming the engine, and get it running as quickly as possible at a high idle so everything which needs lubrication gets some instantly.

Don't over think this. Don't make work for yourself. It isn't rocket surgery.

[Jerry H.]

Re: Advice on restarting my engine after three years

my first reply in for ever but i always on a new rebuild or a long time storage pop the cap and pull distributor put a dummy shaft into the oil pump and spin pump for a few that moves a lot of oil around good luck jerry

[Paul Y.]

Re: Advice on restarting my engine after three years

I have too, Jim, so I of course agree with you. Paul

[Daniel S.]

Re: Advice on restarting my engine after three years

I would have not have any reservation starting this motor... the born with original motor in our 5 Star Bowtie '67 started on fast idle after sitting for almost 40 years in the second owner's garage. This was on 40 year old oil and gas. We added lots of Mystery Oil and disconnecting the lead from coil to distributor, slightly tipping the key to allow the oil to circulate. Starter made a little noise and boy did we make a mess but she runs very well now. And for those curious, yes this is all documented on video!

Dan