The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop I just woke up my '46 after 4 year sleep

After having let my '46 sit for 4 years I changed the fuel pump, cleaned the points and got her running. The clutch wasn't stuck, the brakes work, the generator works but it runs weak and was really hard to start. I had to spin it with a jump from a 12v, just like I used to years ago to get her to pop.
The spark at the plugs is a weak orange. Years ago I replaced the distributor with a rebuilt one.
The truck was always hard to start unless it had been run earlier in the day. When I stopped the engine it restarted right away.Any sugegestions on what to do next to get her running right?
Thanks, Jacques

Check the points,the coil,condenser,the wires ,plugs,after 4 years of sitting I'd give it a complete tune up and change all the above maybe just do an ohm test on the coil but if you're getting a yellow spark you may need a new coil.The battery could be bad check the voltage that also could be why you're getting a weak spark.

After that if she still is hard to start could be a fuel issue,change the fuel filter.And after four years might be a good idea to rebuild the carb.

Pete

I opened up the Carter W1 and it was dusty. I blew it out. I didn't see any gum up. Accelerator pump works. I put in a new in-line see-thru gas filter between fuel pump and carb. I'm getting gas. I wasn't getting fuel in the begining. Fuel pump check valves were fouled with trash from the tank. I noticed cracks in the diaphram and got a new fuel pump. The battery is 2 years old. I just put it in the truck and it was plenty hot to spin the engine. I forgot to put this info in my first post.
I got the truck in 2001, ran it once in a while, put in new wheel cylinders and master cylinder. I parked the truck 4 years ago for lack of time to work on it. I'm really pleased today that the clutch wasn't stuck or one of the wheels hadn't locked up.
I'm going to make time to go through this thing to get her running better.
Thanks for the reply, Pete. I'll report what I find next.
Jacques

I just cleaned the terminals on the coil and the engine started on the first crank with the 6v battery! The high tension terminal was a gray oxidized looking dirty and the negative to the distributor was greasy. The engine still runs rough and uneven, though.
I may treat her to a new set of plugs. Plug wires are new.
Any advice on plugs? I think the book recommends AC46.
Jacques

If it's the stock 216 use AC45R You can get them at the FLAPS even if they have to order them they are still being made.Maybe you should change oil and filter also take the valve cover off and make sure you don't have any valves sticking after 4 years of sitting.

Pete

I forgot about the stuck valve possiblity. It's the stock 216. If a valve is stuck, it'd have a bent pushrod. Can the rod be straightened or must it be replaced? Have you ever heard of stuck valve just being popped with a hammer on a block of wood or needing the head removed and the valve pressed out? I'll see if I can remove the valve cover tomorrow.
Thanks for the plug number and valve reminder.
Jacques

If you used 4 year old gasoline to start it there is a very good possibility of stuck valves.

I drained the tank 2 years ago. I'm sure it's got rust/gunk in it but the carb and tank were dry. I put fresh gas in the tank and carb bowl to get it running.
Thanks, Cletis
Jacques

Here's an update on the "wake up". I just put new plugs, thanks for plug number Pete, in the 216. It wouldn't start with just the 6v so I had to jump it again with the 12v. It started right up and runs fine. I'll do a search on this site for ideas of what to do next to get the engine started on the 6v alone. I think I'll borrow a timing light and check that next. It starts fine once it's warmed up. Speaking of warmed up, I had to take a break. The humidity and temp here are in the nineties with a heat index of 105 degrees.
Jacques

I started the engine right up this afternoon using only the truck's 6v battery. I took off, drove about a half mile...then ran out of gas. I coasted off the road and stopped in the shade of a big pecan tree and started walking. No cell phone. Borrowed a phone from one of my son's friends who was cutting grass. Wife brings gas. Truck starts, I go home. Engine won't idle. I guess there's trash in the idle tube/jet. I gave up for today.
Jacques

I just got the water pump off. It's 97 degrees with the humidity to match. Time for a break. I guess the bearing was making the high pitched squeel when I gun the engine.

I just got the water pump off. It's 97 degrees with the humidity to match. Time for a break. I guess the bearing was making the high pitched squeel when I gun the engine.