OK, so my titles aren't so catchy but I had a great day today anyway. My 78 Stepside has been sitting for at least 2 years probably longer. I parked it when I lived in WA and I've been back in CO over a year. I bought a new truck in Nov '05 so the this one had gotten very little attention or driving in almost 5 years. 1st thing: Oil change, it looked pretty dirty but I can't remember the last time I had changed it. 2nd thing: When I parked it the generic headers had melted the #5 plug wire due to very little clearance and the spark was shorting out to the header. I replaced the wire put a straight boot on it and a boot cover, it was a tight fit but I got it in place. 3rd thing: Since the truck was so infrequently driven, I decided to go with an electric fuel pump conversion. This should eliminate long cranking periods after months of sitting. I mounted a Mr. Gasket 12S universal pump on the passenger side frame rail tapped a 12V key on power source and cut the existing fuel line in 2 places to tap in for the pump inlet & outlet. Only 1 leak when I turned the key on the pressurize the system (loose hose clamp). Once I saw the fuel filter fill up I knew we were in business. Cranked it for a couple seconds and it fired a little rough and smoky at first but smoothed out quickly. Forgot how well this thing ran!
Next problem: The truck wouldn't move when put into gear. When I get a chance next time I'll put it back up on the lift and make sure all the external linkage is good which I think it is. Also need to check ATF level which I think (hope) might be the problem.
I'll figure out how to post a video of it running
1
