The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Firing up my 52 for the irst time

Hello, this is my first post. I will add pictures and my info into the first timers thread soon. Im in need of some info please.

I just picked up a 1952 GMC 150 3/4 ton, all original with a 228 L6. Im sure the truck has been sitting since 1996 (thats the last reg sticker on plate) The truck in very complete under the hood and was told it was running when parked (heard that before). The only thing that was missing was the battery. I just picked up a 6 volt battery and Im ready to try to fire it. Any suggestions? It has the floor mounted starter switch that I am unfamiliar with, a chocke and a throttle knob. What are these used for? This is the oldest vehicle I have owned and I have never used these before. What is the process to start? What should I check before I attempt to start? Doesnt the positive get grounded on the battery and the negative go to the starter? Sorry to sound dumb, but I love to learn and I do not plan on parting with this truck so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks inj advance!

Welcome to the club.

Your GMC will be positive ground. Your statement is correct.

Have you turned the engine over by hand? I would put some light oil in the cylinders and turn it several times by hand before turning it with the starter. Then I'd do a compression check before trying to start it.

When you fire it up have a helper observing. Your carb will probably leak.

The choke knob limits the amount of air going thru the carb. It is used for starting the engine. The throttle knob is used to hold the engine revved up, like when running something off a PTO. You'll probably never use it.

You should also check out oldGMCtrucks.com.

One important thing to remember- - - - -don't pour fresh gasoline into the tank and try to run the engine. The residue left in the tank from the last time it was run will almost certainly have gum and varnish in it that will make your valves stick in the guides and cause the pushrods to bend. Use an auxiliary tank for a gas supply until you can pull the tank and get it thoroughly clean. It's also a good idea to pour some lightweight oil or Diesel fuel into the cylinders through the spark plug holes and let it soak for a few days to free up the pistons and rings before you try to turn the engine. Do the first few turns by hand before trying to use the starter by using a pry bar at the flywheel ring gear. Good luck!
Jerry

In addition to using an external source of fuel for starting
And, to better ensure a better chance of success,
you may wish to consider new plugs, points, rotor, condenser, cap and plug wires;
maybe even a new coil, on a motor that's been idle for unknown reasons.
Many times these old trucks get parked for really simple failures.
All this stuff is relatively cheap and you'll want to freshen it up anyway if it fires.

Also, while you're checking compression as suggested.... make sure the fuel pump is actually working at the same time (a simple hose from your temporary fuel source to the pump). Again, a relatively cheap part that can be eliminated as a source of trouble before actually firing.
Lastly, assuming the engine is free, I'd drain the old oil as completely a possible;
and, put some new fresh oil in it before firing. With spark confirmed, fuel delivery confirmed, and reasonable compression the old girl should sputter to life. Just turn the key on and push the starter button.
It's always fun coaxing an old motor back to life! Have fun!

Mike

Thanks everybody! Your input is appreciated. Im sure you will here from me again LOL. I always see Chevys of the same year, but never a GMC!