Thinking Of Trying to Start It

[hdman90]

As some of you already know, I purchased a '70 highboy this past summer in very rough shape, however, I was told that it has a very strong running 390.
I've really been considering trying to get it running lately, just to see if it will, and get it moving under it's own power.

What precautions should I take before trying to turn it over? I already got Marvel Mystery oil to put in the spark plug holes, to let sit, as well as new spark plugs from Basketcase.
I know I should use an external fuel source, since who knows what is in the tank. And possibly some ether (starting fluid) if the fuel pump is bad, but what else?
The radiator is bone dry. I'm hoping if I replace the hoses and fill, that will fix that issue.

Thanks

[sargentrs]

Before even turning the key or hooking up a battery, try to rotate the engine by hand using a socket and breaker bar. If it rotates freely, you can move on to powering it up.

[hdman90]

Before even turning the key or hooking up a battery, try to rotate the engine by hand using a socket and breaker bar. If it rotates freely, you can move on to powering it up.

I did try that, I was able to grab the fan blade, I was able to rotate it without an issue, and felt the compression, so all systems are a go on that front!

[1972hiboy]

How long has it been sitting? if its been a crazy amount of time like ten years plus then letting it soak with marvel in the cyl for awhile before attempting to start is a good thing. If you wanted to be crazy safe you could pull the dist and spin the oil pump with a drill to prime the oil system. going through the carb with a fresh kit is always a good idea.

[hdman90]

How long has it been sitting? if its been a crazy amount of time like ten years plus then letting it soak with marvel in the cyl for awhile before attempting to start is a good thing. If you wanted to be crazy safe you could pull the dist and spin the oil pump with a drill to prime the oil system. going through the carb with a fresh kit is always a good idea.

Not a bad idea on the oil pump. I definitely plan on changing the oil in the engine first, the oil now is a pretty thick sludge.
The last inspection sticker is 2000, so at the most it's been sitting 17 years, but I believe it was used as a "farm/mud truck" for a quite a few years before sitting.

I didn't even think about nasty fuel being in the bowl of the carb as well... should probably at least get that out. I have to check the linkages and see how everything looks there as well.

[1972hiboy]

Ah ok, if your looking at almost 20 years of sitting then pulling spark plugs and dropping some MMO in the cylinders, letting that sit for a few days. id would def pull the carb off tear it down clean and install a new kit. priming the oil pump is on the far end of cautious but it aint gunna hurt. if the oil in there is that old it may just be good to dump it and put some fresher oil in there for startup. baring the engine over by hand is a good idea too, Fe's are known for locking up a valve in the head and bending pushrods upon startup after sitting for long periods of time.

[hdman90]

Ah ok, if your looking at almost 20 years of sitting then pulling spark plugs and dropping some MMO in the cylinders, letting that sit for a few days. id would def pull the carb off tear it down clean and install a new kit. priming the oil pump is on the far end of cautious but it aint gunna hurt. if the oil in there is that old it may just be good to dump it and put some fresher oil in there for startup. baring the engine over by hand is a good idea too, Fe's are known for locking up a valve in the head and bending pushrods upon startup after sitting for long periods of time.

I didn't know that! Glad I posted here first before spraying some starting fluid in there and just cranking her over!
I guess the next thing to look for is a carb kit. Thanks 1972hiboy!

[Bill Ramsey]

Check for stuck valves. Or risk bent pushrods and/or broken lifters. Been there and done that.

[sargentrs]

Pull the valve covers and rotate the crank by hand a view revolutions by hand while you watch the rockers and valves. Make sure you go a full cycle so you can see if they're all functioning. When you decide to crank it, while the valve covers are still off, pull the coil wire and crank it over. A few revolutions at first and then several while you check if oil is getting through the push rods to the rockers. Expect to change every rubber hose, vacuum line and gasket before you're done. A friend of mine and I acquired a '79 4x4 that had been sitting for 14 years. The engine was locked up and after 2 weeks of slowly working it, broke it loose. A little more work and he drove it daily for a few years before he sold it.

[daveford72]

Another thing to look out for is when pulling the distributor. Just make sure you dont pull out the oil pump drive shaft when you pull up on the distributor. When I pulled the one on my truck it was stuck in the drive.