Starting an engine for first time in a long time

[dan2286]

I just picked up this Olds 330 and I kinda want to try to get it started as it sits right now. I know nothing about this engine and plan on checking compression, doing a leak down test, and checking oil pressure while priming before I go any farther. When checking the oil pressure, I will make sure oil is getting up to the heads and draining back okay.

If all that checks out good, what do I do to prepare? The old oil is still in the engine. Is there anything I should do before I change the oil? I am thinking I need to put some oil in the cylinders. I will change the plugs. Is it okay to use Lucas break in additive that has zinc additives? That is all I have in my area right now.

I know I am probably missing some things, so what all do I need to do?

 

[custom442]

I am thinking I need to put some oil in the cylinders.

umm... did you try and crank it already?

Why not a small spoon of ATF in each cylinder and let it soak in. Do it a few days in a row, then move to your next ideas/steps

What carburetor are you using?

 

[dan2286]

I am thinking I need to put some oil in the cylinders.

umm... did you try and crank it already?

Why not a small spoon of ATF in each cylinder and let it soak in. Do it a few days in a row, then move to your next ideas/steps

What carburetor are you using?

Not with the starter, but by hand. It turns over.

I have heard of people using oil or transmission fluid, I think I might go with the ATF.

I have a Holley that is pretty much new that I was planning on using.

 

[custom442]

Did it crank well? The ATF won't hurt.. but generally that's done before it's cranked so if the rings were sealed to the cylinder wall they wont crack or break.

okay, thought you might be using the old carb for some reason. Well that's all I know of besides what you listed, maybe somebody else'll throw something in

 

[dan2286]

Did it crank well? The ATF won't hurt.. but generally that's done before it's cranked so if the rings were sealed to the cylinder wall they wont crack or break.

okay, thought you might be using the old carb for some reason. Well that's all I know of besides what you listed, maybe somebody else'll throw something in

I was able to turn the engine over by grabbing the balancer and it felt fine, but I only turned it about a 1/4 turn. I wanted to wait till I got some kind of oil in the cylinders before I tried turning it over a bunch of times.

 

[custom442]

I was able to turn the engine over by grabbing the balancer and it felt fine, but I only turned it about a 1/4 turn. I wanted to wait till I got some kind of oil in the cylinders before I tried turning it over a bunch of times.

smart man, try the ATF trick. Just a tiny amount, less than a tablespoon (like a teaspoon around the edges of each ring) Do it twice, let it soak a day each time

 

[axisg]

sounds like you have your bases covered. If it's an old motor in an old car then run your fuel from a portable jerry can and flush the rad with clean water to get the old anti-freeze out of the block

 

[outsider_27]

sounds like you have your bases covered. If it's an old motor in an old car then run your fuel from a portable jerry can and flush the rad with clean water to get the old anti-freeze out of the block

You can pull the plug on each side of the block to drain the coolant out. Did this on my Olds 350.