How To Try Starting a "Ran-When-Parked" Engine

[JWChessell]

I'm going to be looking at a '38 Ford truck with a flathead V-8. Truck was extensively restored in 1998, then parked INSIDE after death of owner, probably around 6 years ago. Assuming the engine will turn over, what steps should be taken to get it ready to start and to try starting it?

 

[Misenheimer]

Drain all the old gas out of the tank unless it is full. If it was left full it might run but probably not well, I drain it and then add a few gallons back to my car to get rid of it if it smells ok. Remove the glass filter bowel on the fuel pump, clean and refill with fresh gas. Put some Marvel mystery oil in the cylinders before turning it over. Fill the carb with fresh gas through the vent tube above the choke. Do not mash the gas till the carb is full of gas or the leather pump in the carb will be damaged. Fresh battery and it should start.

Good luck

PS Might want to clean the points in the distributor and check the condenser.

 

[tgordon]

Check the oil, unless in a concrete or air tight building there might be condensation inside the block. Check for coolant level in radiator.