The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Oh boy, oh boy....

Folks -

We're "fixin to" to get out of here at first light on Tuesday to go pick up a 47 5 window 1/2 ton... I had queried earlier on the forum about towing with a dolly; we've decided to tow with a trailer and a friend's new 3/4 ton - so it will be a much less stressful trip, we're hoping.

Anyway, I'm assembling my tools and things for checking the truck out. I already know that it isn't getting fuel, but don't know if it's a clogged line or the pump - I want to take some replacement fuel hose with me so I can bypass the gas tank.

Can any of you tell me what size fuel line comes out of the pump? I want to buy some line before I go.

Also... Can any of you tell me what a decent compression gauge reading for this one would be? I am pretty sure it has a 235, rather than a 216, but have no idea what year it might be as yet.

Like Ross Perot, "I'm all ear" if any of you have additional suggestions for checking this truck out.

Thanks in advance....

John

The fuel lines are all 5/16. The compression will be about 125 lb's but the eveness is the most important thing. You don't like more then 10 lbs difference between cyls. To me the most important thing is the general condition of the body & all. You should know you are going to have to do a lot of mechanical work on it. Look for rust in the cab corners, bottoms of the doors, the floor & cowling. You have to sit back & figure how much you can do yourself, how much you can spend, & what you want out of it.

O'BOY is right sounds like fun!if it runs @all check the vac. press that will tell alot steady 18-20 is good,a small tick in the needle is most likely a vavle sticking or burnt one,or just bad plugs and wires. just use common since,and do'nt let the onwer B-S you into complaceanty.if he can't document it don't beleave it. any way sounds like a great time, have fun!!!!

John, it sounds like you're going to try to start the engine and drive it on the trailer. Do you have a winch or another way to load the truck in case the engine won't start? If the truck has good hub caps take them off before loading. Make sure the doors are closed securely, also. Make sure there's a way to stop the truck from rolling once it's on the trailer, be it the service brakes, emergency brake or a helper with a block of wood to throw in front of a rolling wheel. If you plan to start the engine, especially with an improvised fuel system, be sure to have a fire extingisher at hand.
I could tell you a story that resulted in each of the above mentioned tips, except the fire extingisher one, thank goodness!
Good luck and keep us posted.
Jacques

I have the fire extinguisher one covered if you want to hear that story.