Hi All, I have a 49 GMC FC102 pick up with a 228 engine (see photos). I've known the truck for years while my wonderful brother owned it. Sadly he got sick and passed away and the truck restoration is unfinished. I purchased the truck from his wife with the intent of finishing. He is a Bolter from this site for several years and so now am I. Your site was special to my brother and I see why. It is also now special to me because of the things I learned about Chris and his truck reading his info on this site. The engine was professionally overhauled in 2010. New pistons, valves, spings, guides, rod bearings, main bearings, cam grind, etc., etc. It has been reattached to the frame but it has not yet been ran in nearly 9 years since the overhaul. I noted he has oil in it, an oil filter, and small oil press guage connected. After researching the posts, I'm thinking he may have been rotating the distributor shaft and oil pump, but I dont know this for certain. I think there was also some mice nesting in the intake manifold area. My initial thoughts are to: 1. Remove the intake manifolds and clean out any nesting. Should I go further inside? 2. Obtain the needed tool (old distributor shaft) and rotate the oil pump until I see oil coming out from on top of the valve cover area. 3. Rotate the crank shaft some and repeat. How much should I rotate the shaft? 4. Should I remove the plugs and oil the cylinders. If so with what? 5. Someone I know that has experience with engine overhauls talks about assembly lube and there is nothing to worry about.
I have mostly body work, wiring, reassembly to do before running. Probably another 2-3 years of work on my schedule. Other thoughts are appreciated. Thank you.
You’re certainly on the right track. Oiling the cylinders probably isn’t necessary but cannot hurt. Use a light weight spray oil, and not very much. Would you mind sharing your brother’s Stovebolt handle so that we may honor him in the Passing Lane Forum or you can go directly there and post something yourself. Sorry for your loss.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
The problem with engines in long term storage is that no matter where the crankshaft is positioned, a few valves are going to be open. That allows those cylinders to be exposed to air and humidity and there's a potential rust problem. I'd suggest putting a few ounces of oil into each cylinder, rotating the crankshaft a couple of times, and then loosening all the rocker arm adjusters so all the valves are closed. Reinstall the spark plugs, obviously.
The lower end should be OK, particularly if you add enough oil to bring the level up to the top of the oil pan. Oil is cheap- - - -engine parts are E$$$$$PENSIVE! Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Thank you guys for your thoughts. Much appreciated. Justhorsenround, I'll get Chris's info on the Passing Lane. Chris was a great husband, father, brother, son, and mechanic. One of a kind and I know he'll appreciate me finishing his truck. I'm sure I'll have more discussions with you all.
