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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 43
D
Junior Member
Junior Member
D Offline
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 43
Just trailered home a 49 3100 which is mostly in original condition. The engine turns by hand, but I have not yet started doing anything on the truck. It's just sitting in the garage. Would like to get it running for weekend drives...

Would appreciate your advice on what to do first: brakes? fresh gas? freah oil? (what grade?) then put in a battery and try to crank it? I don't think the electrical system has been converted, but how can I tell for sure?

Thanks for the help!

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 687
P
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
P Offline
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 687
dave: 1st drain and change all fluids, 2nd clean gas and try to start. Nothing get you more excited than hearing that old motor run. If you hear really bad noises stop immediately. Then you know where your main concern is to start the project. I.E. If it does not run why fix the brakes.

popcorn The Truth is Out There (Good luck keep us posted)

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94
M
'Bolter
'Bolter
M Offline
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94
Welcome Dave!

I would also mention that the gas tank should be removed and cleaned out. Most likely you have crud and rust flakes in there that will block the fuel line. You'll have to do it sooner or later, and you might as well get it out of the way now. That was the first thing I did to my '53 when I got it home. I used the POR-15 gas tank system and have no complaints.

As far as the electrical system is concerned, your generator will probably have "12V" stamped on it if it was converted. Also, if it was converted, there should be a ignition ballast resistor mounted somewhere, usually on the firewall. Mine was a white rectangular looking thing with a wire screwed to each end. This protects the points from burnout by the 12 volts. You could also have a coil with a built in resistor. If so, it would be stamped on the coil itself.

Keep us posted!

Steve

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,839
C
'Bolter
'Bolter
C Offline
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,839
Dave,
If you get fustrated, send the truck to me, freight prepaid, and I'll take care of it. Oh yes, please endorse that little pink piece of paper while you're at it.


Craig

My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear
My truck ....... Respect The Rust
If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29,792
H
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
H Offline
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 29,792
How long since it's been run? I'd suggest pulling the spark plugs, and squirt a couple of ounces of lightweight oil, like Liquid Wrench, Kroil, or some other penetrant, and turning the engine over by hand a few times before attempting to crank it with the starter. It anything binds up, there might be a rust buildup in one or more cylinders. No matter where an engine stops, a few valves will be open, allowing air, and humidity to enter those cylinders. It's better to spend a few hours freeing up a possibly stuck engine than doing some damage by spinning it over with the starter and hitting an obstruction with a moving piston.
Jerry


"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
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Joined: Sep 2001
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Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,269
daves49,

In addition to what is described above, squirt a little penetrating oil around each valve stem (you will have to take off the valve cover). Then, when you rotate the engine make sure each intake and exhaust valve moves up and down.

Tim

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 40
F
Junior Member
Junior Member
F Offline
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 40
i have just got a 3100 1950 chevy panel------it had been sitting up 28 years, i took out spark plugs, poured in MARVEL MYSTERY OIL, put in new plugs,new wires,filed points,changed oil,put on new fuel pump,and just put the gas line in a plastic gas can,new battery,new battery ends on cables,pored a little gas in carb and the second time i tried it SHE FIRED UP!!!!!!keep up posted on your results!!!!!!


1950 Chevy Panel 310

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