The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Starting Engine After Several Years

I'm getting ready to try to start the motor after several years. The truck has been inside a heated garage and not exposed to any moisture. I've removed spark plugs and sprayed some oil into cylinders, then turned engine by hand to make sure it's freed up. I've been told to remove distributor and manually turn the oil pump using an extended rod on a drill. My first question is, do I remove valve cover too to make sure oil is being pumped? My next one is which direction should rod be spun, clockwise or counter clockwise?
Engine is a 1960 235 but is now in my 59 Napco.
Any other suggestions or tips?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Brian M

The oil pump turns clockwise, just like the distributor. It's also a good idea to have someone spin the engine with the starter while the pump is being turned, to make sure the bearings get coated well. Of course, it will be necessary to find top dead center of the compression stroke on the #1 cylinder afterwards, to reinstall the distributor correctly. Having the valve cover off simplifies that process, plus you can squirt penetrating oil on the valve stems to help prevent one from seizing up in a dry valve guide.
Jerry