sitting engine!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: phila pa
sitting engine!
Hey guys, i have a 71 vette that is in bad shape and i am in the process of restoring! i recently pulled the motor, however i am in college and that takes most of my time (in 20 years old). so as a result the poor 350 has been sitting for about 5 months on the engine stand. well spring break is comming so forget florida, the car must get running again, how do i prime the engine???? that is my conser right now. this is my first car, and i dont know what or how to do this. It would be great if someone would give me the run down, or steps to go through and what tools i need.
Thanks Marc
Thanks Marc
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: sitting engine! (mncus11)
Change oil and filter, remove distributor, install engine priming tool, ( can use an old distributor with gear ground off, and 'guts' of distributor removed)which is operated by an electric drill, attache drill and spin it clockwise. Might be a good idea to remove at least one valve cover to verify that oil is being pushed up and through lifters to rocker arm area. Then re-install distributor, making certain you've got it timed correctly. Must perform final timing setting with engine running.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: sitting engine! (mncus11)
Can go to salvage yard and pick one up cheap, maybe local garage / repair shop already has one they made and use? Can purchase a tool/shaft designed for this at many auto parts stores, but believe the old distributor is a better way, as it gets oil to top side of engine and don't believe the shaft type will.
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,116
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
Re: sitting engine! (mncus11)
Five months isn't that much. Just start it up. If it REALLY bothers you, do it the cheap/easy way. Pull the coil wire off and crank the engine until you see the oil gauge move a little (usually less than 30 seconds), put the coil wire back on and start it. You can get the good tool at any parts shop for less than $20, it's the one with the round fitting about half way up the shaft. This type will seal the oil hole in the block and force oil to both banks of the engines top end. :cheers:
