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Author Topic: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while  (Read 5718 times)

Offline got2haul

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Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
« 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.
« Last Edit: March 03, 2009, 08:42:44 am by got2haul »
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1980 Custom Deluxe Stepside
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1980 Silverado Short Bed Fleetside
1976 GMC Sierra Grande C15

Offline Blazin

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Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
« Reply #1 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.
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Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
« Reply #2 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.
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Offline oldwhity

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Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2009, 08:46:32 pm »
Weasel pee?
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Rob G.
81 Chevy K20 4x4 LWB stepside
I enjoy long quiet walks..........in a junkyard!

Offline werewolfx13

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Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
« Reply #4 on: March 02, 2009, 08:51:23 pm »
weasel pee aka PB blaster..or really any penetrating oil.
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Chris
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Offline Jay2D2

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Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2009, 10:43:44 pm »
north of the border we call it go go juice
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Offline Blazin

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Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
« Reply #6 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.
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Offline oldwhity

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Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
« Reply #7 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
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Rob G.
81 Chevy K20 4x4 LWB stepside
I enjoy long quiet walks..........in a junkyard!

Offline got2haul

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Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
« Reply #8 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?
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1980 Custom Deluxe Stepside
        Stepside thread: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7505.0
1980 Silverado Short Bed Fleetside
1976 GMC Sierra Grande C15

Offline Blazin

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Re: Prep for starting a motor that hasn't been used in a while
« Reply #9 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.
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Some people are like Slinkies. Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs
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