54 GMC 152-24 Truck with a 54 235 engine. When I had the 6v battery couple years ago, I checked the compression which was around 95 give or take on cold engine. After that I poured some fuel down the carb, it started up right away with no hesitation. Did not have a radiator on it at the time, only ran maybe 15-20 seconds and sounded wonderful. I was happy, till some people got on my case about a few things such as priming the oil and checking the valves. Before starting it, I checked all the valves while moving the fan blade by hand, all good and they looked wet from oil after sitting for 40+ years. So I pulled the dist and primed the rockers, all the oil is going thru the holes. Yes, it's the original oil as well, looks clean. Yes, I will be changing the oil and filter soon as I find some oil filter lines.
My question, reading somewhere that I can start the engine on a 12v battery, except for the coil which needs to be 6v, I can disconnect everything else. If easier, I'll just buy a 6v battery. I just want to test the engine and see where it is condition wise. Or am I better off to just pull it and rebuild it?
My original plan was to get the truck running to drive it locally, but I am starting to see some other issues that is starting to become major such as complete tear down and rebuild of the truck. I want to keep it as stock as possible, but do have a rebuilt 383 engine as backup if the 235 or 248 engine not good, then I'll have to do the necessary upgrades. Trying to avoid due to limited funds.
