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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: got2haul on March 02, 2009, 09:16:26 am

Title: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
Post by: got2haul on March 02, 2009, 09:16:26 am

The 1976 GMC I got from my neighbor has the original 350 and an automatic transmission with 77K miles.  I want to use this motor and trans in the 1980 short wide I'm working on.  This motor hasn't been run in about 4 years.  The previous owner told me that it was very hard to start and he would have to pour gasoline down the carburetor to get it to start.  I imagine the gas in the tank needs to be drained and replaced at the least.

I'm relatively new to engine maintenance, but very willing to learn what needs to be done and not afraid to give it a try  -- what are the steps I should follow to fire this motor and let it run for a while?  I've got a freshly charged battery for it, but haven't yet tried to crank it.

Title: Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
Post by: Blazin on March 02, 2009, 09:31:33 am

I would disconnect the fuel line from the tank. Hook up a line from a gas can to the pump.Changing the oil is kind of a judgement call, I probably would. Pull the cap and rotor make sure its clean, the plugs too, squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil down into each cylinder. Wouldn't hurt to disconnect the coil and crank it for a bit to build some oil pressure. Maybe even pull the distributor and use an old distributor shaft in a drill to build oil pressure. Hose the carb down with some weasel pee make sure its all working.

Title: Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
Post by: VileZambonie on March 02, 2009, 07:59:36 pm

4 years that carb is gonna be full of crap. It may run but I'd get a zip kit for it and clean it all up.

Title: Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
Post by: oldwhity on March 02, 2009, 08:46:32 pm

Weasel pee?

Title: Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
Post by: werewolfx13 on March 02, 2009, 08:51:23 pm

weasel pee aka PB blaster..or really any penetrating oil.

Title: Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
Post by: Jay2D2 on March 02, 2009, 10:43:44 pm

north of the border we call it go go juice

Title: Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
Post by: Blazin on March 03, 2009, 06:58:48 am

I agree on the carb being crapped up. But that could be addressed after you make sure it runs.

Title: Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
Post by: oldwhity on March 03, 2009, 08:38:05 am

Quote from: werewolfx13 on March 02, 2009, 08:51:23 pm

weasel pee aka PB blaster..or really any penetrating oil.

Oh ok. I love that stuff! Thanks

Title: Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
Post by: got2haul on March 03, 2009, 08:47:00 am

Quote from: werewolfx13 on March 02, 2009, 08:51:23 pm

weasel pee aka PB blaster..or really any penetrating oil.

I've never heard the term "weasel pee" before!  I have a can of PB Blaster -- it works pretty well for me in its intended use of aiding in loosening nuts.  But, I'm not sure I'm following the advice here -- as I said earlier, I'm relatively new to engine maintenance.  What do you do with the weasel pee?

Title: Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
Post by: Blazin on March 03, 2009, 02:10:08 pm

Hose down the carb linkage, choke flapper, etc. with the PB Blaster. Make sure its all free moving.