The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine not run in 40 years/what to expect?

I've seen an original survivor...not run in 40 years. I've seen the engine run...it's REAL QUIET...runs very nice.

What can I expect. What's likely. Will it self destruct or do you think it'll be ok?

Will it self destruct
Why?

Maybe a few leaks from dried out gaskets?

If the engine hasn't run in 40 years then I would expect to put about $3,000 into it.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL

Let's clarify things a little- - - -is the engine in running shape now, or has it been sitting for 40 years without being started? There's a BIG difference in a runner that hasn't been on the road recently, and one that's sat without starting for that long. If it's currently in running shape, be sure it's getting clean fuel (old gas tanks are bad about ruining otherwise good engines with varnish), change the oil, and drive it like you're breaking in a fresh rebuild. No prolonged periods of full throttle, no lugging, where the vehicle doesn't accelerate smoothly when you step on the gas, and a varied mix of slow speed and highway driving.
Jerry

I would expect it last a long time. Change oil often or till it looks like its cleaner and enjoy the drives.

Just remember these are not high dollar racing engines, they are low compression, weak valve spring, low rpm, crudely built, heavy duty engines.

If it starts up and runs after 40 years, then I'd say its a pretty tough engine and you driving it around sure can't hurt it much.

Joe

I'd have to wonder at its previous life.
My new 261 had come froma truck that hadn't run in 30 years. The whole intake manifold was full of mud wasp nest. FULL!
I had to soak it in water for a couple days to get all the mud out of it. I'd hate to see what that would have done to the motor IF I'd just tossed it in the truck and started it up!
If I were you, I'd drain the oil, flush the radiator and the block. Pull the intake/exhaust manifold rocker assembly and the head and replace these gaskets at the least. They are sure to fail in short order if they are really 40 years old. I just did the head gasket on my 216 as it leaked like a sieve after I'd run it for a couple hundred miles.
Jeremy

The main thing I would be concerned with is, what is in the oil pan from sitting. I would pull the pan and clean it good, you do not want to suck up any thing and send it through the bearings.
Once the pan is clean there is very little risk running it.

I would make sure it has proper oil pressure and expect the water pump to leak because of age.

If its a low pressure motor the oil troughs could cause trouble. I'd pull the pan and take a look.

I just got my Dad's 59 running after it sat for 25 years. I did all the easy stuff, replaced the plugs, wires, distributor, gas pump, rebuilt the carb (first attempt and I did it without a problem!). It would turn over, but no fire. I took it to a weekend mechanic who found weak compression and no compression in two of the cylinders (mine is a 261), so he fixed that issue for $200, and it started after the 3rd crank. I had no gas lines or a good tank, so I rigged up a tin can w a hose into the fuel pump. Put in new lines and a new tank. It runs great now, but am re-working all the brakes and lines now to make it a driver. First time at that as well, going pretty well with all the help from people out here!!!