How to start after sitting for 25 years

[Matthew Goeke]

So if you havnt seen my other thread about my gbody, link here: https://gbodyforum.com/threads/pricing-should-i-sell.61178/ so basically i need to get this thing running! i bought a new battery, the engine cranks over, i bought starter fluid, and new spark plugs, and spark wires, i have also bought a gas siphon to get out the old gas. is there anything else i am missing, or should do? the oil looks good too.

 

[pagrunt]

Don't forget to reprime the oil pump to get oil into everything (unplug the distributor first)

 

[lilbowtie]

Just went through this with a car that sat for 20 years. The engine wasn't stuck, so changed oil & filter and pulled the distributor and primed the oil system before trying to turn it over - removed the fuel tank, drained the fuel, changed the sock(tank looked great) and blew out the fuel lines. Cranked it over and it started right up (surprised there wasn't any carb problems). May be a bit anal but that's me.

 

[Matthew Goeke]

Don't forget to reprime the oil pump to get oil into everything (unplug the distributor first)

could i squirt some oil in each cylinder?

 

[pagrunt]

Unplugging the distributor & cranking the engine over will get the oil flowing into the bearings & pushed thru the oil passages in the block. This way you won't have a dry start & wreak the insides.

 

[Matthew Goeke]

Unplugging the distributor & cranking the engine over will get the oil flowing into the bearings & pushed thru the oil passages in the block. This way you won't have a dry start & wreak the insides.

I will do that, is there any way to get new fuel into the carb without using a whole bottle of starting fluid?

 

[pagrunt]

Do a gravity feed into the carb inlet. Just make sure the line is out of the way of anything that might snag it. Just use enough fuel to get it to run for a few to hear for any noises. Still should use some starting fluid to help start it. Don't flood it.

 

[Bar50]

I would squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinders with the new plugs. Or even, bump it over a little with the plugs out. I would probably add a can of STP or ZDDP oil additive to the oil. If can score some race gas it will help with the dried out carb and fuel system.

 

[Matthew Goeke]

Just an update, i got it running on starter fluid, next weekend i am going to siphon the gas, put new stuff in, and see if the carb needs to be rebuilt. everything sounds healthy, no rod knock!

 

[oldolds]

how much gas was in the tank ? if it is just a little fill the tank up with some good premium gas with fuel cleaner in it or put a can of seafoam in it. i have tried that on a car that sat for 20 years and it started and drove home.