The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Just bought need help

I am new to the site. I just bought a project truck a 1961 chevy C30 apache, 235ci 4-speed with the oringal stake flat bed. It looks to have the 58000 miles but has no ran for at least 10 years. The motor is not locked up and everything is oringal on the motor (genrator, oil bath air cleaner, points, etc.). I have worked on newer motors 350s etc. What some of the things I need check before starting this motor beyond the normal things? Do I need to use lead subiute ?

If everything is original on the motor, then a lead substitute would probably be a good idea. Now, I could be wrong about that, but I know that my dad's '65 k10 had several burned valve seats from using unleaded fuel. Good luck to you, and welcome to the stovebolt.

Matt

A little penetrating oil in the cylinders can't hurt, either PB Blaster or Kroil. Ditto on the valve stems, as these engines have a nasty habit of sticking valves and bending/breaking pushrods on startup after being stopped for a while. Check for rotten or rusty fuel lines, you really don't need a leak or a fire while you're tinkering with a just-started engine. Ditto on belts and hoses, they rot from the inside out, and fail without warning after years of sitting unused. Run a piece of business card stock between the points to remove any oxidation on the surface, but DON'T use sandpaper. The sanding residue can be a good insulator, and keep the spark from happening. Fresh gas and oil, and crank it up!
Jerry

Having brought two engines back to life after long periods (20 years or so) of sitting, I highly reccomend making sure the engine is well lubed and turning free before you attempt a start.

Maybe i've just been lucky, but squirting WD40 down into the cylinders, and taking the valve cover off and making sure things are moving right and well lubed when you crank the engine over by hand is a good idea to make sure things are moving freely (i.e. no stuck valves that could result in bent pushrods, etc)

If a vehicle has been sitting a long time, I highly reccomend pulling the fuel tank and flushing it out good, since a dry tank can develop dust, crud, and rust that will mix with your fuel and wreak havoc with fuel lines, pumps, filters, and carbs.

With that out of the way, a fresh battery, and solid battery terminal leads installed, you ought to be able to crank her over and see what you got!

I put some oil in the cylinders. I hope to try and start soon. Before I do I plan to check the valves. I did put a battery in it put I did not turn it over. All of the lights worked and the starter clicked over. How can clean the gas tank out.

After you do all that, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a spare fuel pump and maybe have your radiator re-cored. Mine had been sitting for some time with not much use. When I started using it a couple years ago, I replaced all the rubber parts I could and the only problems I had were the fuel pump leaking (right after ther 1st tank of gas) and the radiator not long after being flushed and cleaned. It cost me $100. at a local radiator shop to re-core it. New thermostat - $7.00.

Thanks for all of the help the motor will be runing soon.