Testing the engine. 62 C10

[buckaneer]

i have a 350 in my 62 project. The guy I bought it from said it had not been cranked in 2 or 3 years. What do I need to do to test it? I have a compression tester. One friend suggested ATF to lubricate the cylinders. This is my first restoration project. Any advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks
Buck

[ChiefRocka]

I would use regular engine oil...as that is what lubricates the cylinder walls. Pull out ALL the plugs, and squirt plenty of oil in the cylinders.

Disable the ignition, and prop open the throttle. I would disconnect the fuel supply as well.

While your cranking the engine...you can check for oil pressure at this time as well....being your light is working, or you have a guage. Make sure, of course the engine has oil in the pan.

Once you have compression reading, you can go from there...Run it or not.

If you think there might be a possibility that the timing might be off, you can always 'static time' it before the initial fire.

Let us know what you find !!

[hewlett2002000]

when i bought mine the PO told me the same. all i did was change the oil, plugs, wires, empty the gas tank and spray some carb cleaner and check the timing. it fired right up. but uhhhhh, then died after 2 seconds. the pickup in the tank was clogged up so i just changed the whole tank with the one from my 62 because it was only about 4 years old. started right up and ran like a top.
John