Getting her running

[Andyboy]

Hey guys I picked up my 62 gmc truck and want to try to get her running but it sat for around 5-7 years but running when parked. My question is what are the procedures for a 305 v6 engine or any engine? (oil change, spark plugs and wires ) I've heard someone say prime the engine, what is that and how do you do that? Don't want to mess anything up. Any info would be great. Thanks.

[ChevyTruckGuy]

Im in the same boat as my 66 (350 COMBO) has been sitting since 2004. It was running but needs a head gasket replaced.

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I believe a oil an chang is needed, radiator flush?? Fuel system flush???

I dont know what a prime is.

[Rich 5150 69]

Pull all the plugs, squirt oil into the cylinders, crank engine over several times noting oil pressure, ensure you have oil pressure, replace plugs and start engine assumming there is gas to the carb.

[Andyboy]

Is there a way to know or check if you have oil pressure without a gauge?

[Andyboy]

Well got her running. Wouldn't start the first time I tried. Dumb me didn't notice that the wire from the condenser was removed. Put a new one and fired up. Still need to give her a tune-up, sounds like the lifters need to be adjusted. Then the brakes. Little by little not working right now so $ is hard to come by.

[Rich 5150 69]

I`m only guessing at this point that the lifters maybe just a litle gummed up from sitting, run it for a while first, have you changed the oil in it yet...

[Andyboy]

Yup I changed the oil. I need to rebuild the carb and then I'll run it and see how it runs.

[markeb01]

Changing the oil is probably most important because old oil can become acidic, and starting the engine with it may not protect the bearing surfaces. Connecting to a different source of fuel (like from a separate can) will help avoid contamination to the fuel pump and carburetor since the stuff in the tank and lines has likely turned to a gummy varnish. The fuel tank should be drained and inspected for rust and/or crud.

New spark plugs are always a good idea along with a rotor, cap (and points - if the engine uses them). Priming the engine in my experience means pulling the distributor and using either a junk distributor or an oil pump primer like shown below to spin the oil pump with the engine off. This prelubricates everything before turning over or firing the engine:

http://www.powerhouseproducts.com/ph...h-bushing.html

If the engine has hydraulic lifters and only one or two are noisy, an old trick I’ve seen used to quiet them was to remove the valve cover, and using an old style oil squirt can filled with lacquer thinner – shoot small amounts of the lacquer thinner down the push rod with the engine at idle. If the lifter is gummy, the lacquer thinner will free it up and evaporate completely, returning the lifter to normal operation.

[wc63]

i would check the point gap on it. i believe it should be at .019. also these 305's are known for loose lifters, plus if your doing it you can see how clean the oil is and if your oil pump is working. i opened up one of these and found rust and dirt and caked oil inside. the 305 still ran like champ though.

[slorio]

Andyboy:
Your 305 GMC V6 has solid lifters, not hydraulic. The folks over here are experts on them. Check out the website for a lot of info and consider the discussion group for a wealth of knowledge on these engines.
Regards,
Steve
New Orleans

http://www.6066gmcguy.org/