| |
Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | | Forums66 Topics128,035 Posts1,055,447 Members48,422 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 32 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 32 | I am in the process of picking up a 1958 Apache 32 that has been sitting for an unknown number of years. I am being told that it might have been running when parked. The engine looks like it might have, and the battery is still there.
What should be done before trying to start it?
I plan to drain the radiator and flush, then refill; change the oil; replace the spark plugs and wires, point, condenser, rotor; Check the valve clearances; clean the carburetor and air filter. At first I am thinking of bypassing the fuel tank and just run straight from a fuel can before I take the time to clean the gas tank. Other than changing the oil in the transmission before driving it, is there anything I should do before even trying to crank over the engine?
Thanks
Dan
Last edited by ArmyChevy; 12/06/2010 5:52 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 | I'd say you about have it covered Dan, at least if you plan on just driving it onto a trailer .... for more driving, don't forget to check all the wheel bearings and brakes and change the rear end oil  Bill | | | | | Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 295 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 295 | YES
Pull plugs then turn the engine by hand with a wrench if needed. IF any water in cylinders this will tell you AND you know engine is not froze up.
Dan Bentler | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 32 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 32 | Thanks for that. I don't think I will try to start it before I bring it home. I don't want to rush it and mess something up even more. Since there might be a possibility that this was running, this is going to be my first "milestone" to see what I have to work with. A drive around the lot would be quite the thrill!! This is my first major project, and I'm really excited about it.
This site has been a huge help already and I don't even have the truck yet!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 188 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 188 | Pull the plugs. Squirt some oil in each cylinder. Put plugs in hand tight. Let sit overnight. Pull plugs. Turn crank 90*. More oil. Same procedure. After 4 nights you rotated completely once. Crank it over a couple times. Add more oil. This way you know the rings and bore are well lubed. It'll smoke a while when you first fire it up but you won't score any rings. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,544 | Is it a V8 or a 6? If a 6 I'd suggest making sure you don't have any stuck valves. Good idea on the gas tank. Old gas is a killer of engines. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 32 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 32 | It's the six, 235 I believe, but not sure. Great advice about the oil. Thank you. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 32 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 32 | | | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,557 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,557 | 235 or 261,you need to run the casting numbers to be sure.
Tim
1951 3100 Chevrolet1951 Chevrolet Suburban CarryallImage"A house is built with boards and beams. A home is built with love and dreams." "Look deep before you leap !!!" / "Everything is Everything" "If I say a mouse can pull a house, hitch him up"
| | |
|
|
| |
