Just got a 66 coupe and need some advice

[dogma_5]

New here and looking for some advice. I just picked up a 66 coupe that has not been started in a couple of years. Is in a garage right now and has been all along. What do you all suggest to do other than drain the gas and verify the tank is clean. I am going to drain the oil as well. Would it be smart to take out the plugs and put a little oil in the pistons and turn over by hand first? Any other suggestions would be great.



Thanks,

Ron

 

[rbohm]

1: pull the plugs and spray in some good penetrating oil, like pb blaster and let it sit overnight. then spray in more, and let it sit while you move on to other tasks.

2: change the oil and filter

3: check the ignition system over carefully and replace the plugs, points condenser plug wires, cap and rotor. though dont install the new plugs just yet

4: replace the fuel filter, and rebuild the carb

5: flush the cooling system and replace the coolant

6: remove the distributor, and spin the oil pump shaft until you oil pressure on the gauge. then reinstall the dist.

7: turn the engine over by hand to unsure that it turns freely, one full revolution will do nicely.

8: reinstall the plugs, and make sure the plug wires are in the correct order.

9: install a fresh battery, disconnect the coil and crank the engine over until you again show oil pressure on the gauge.

10: prime the carb, reconnect the coil, and start the engine. when it starts run the engine at about 1500rpm for about 10 min, then let it idle and make any adjustments.

one thing, have someone check the engine over as it runs for leaks for the first few minutes. repair as needed. also keep an eye on the temp gauge and oil pressure gauge during the first 10 minutes. as long as things stay normal you are good to go. after you have made any adjustments needed, timing, idle mixture and speed, change the oil and filter. change the oil and filter again at 500miles, as well as the fuel filter, then observe regular oil change intervals. i would change the fuel filter each time you change the oil for the first 3-4 oil changes, and as needed. at that point you should have eliminated about 95% of the junk in the tank.

 

[D.Hearne]

In addition to what rbohm listed, rotate the crank shaft TWO complete turns, this allows the valve train to cycle one complete turn. I've reawakened two 390's that sat for 7 years and only removed the plugs and poured a whole quart of trans fluid in all 8 cylinders. Let it sit overnight, then rotated crank two turns, then cranked it with the starter till the trans fluid cleared. Replaced the plugs, changed the points and condensor, poured some gas in the carb throats, then let her rip. Both started immediately and ran like swiss watches. If it's been garaged all that time, I doubt you'll need to do all he listed. Long as the "critters" didn't make a home somewhere in the motor.

 

[dogma_5]

Thanks for the input. I maybe should have added more details to help people. The car what converted from a 6 to a 289 and only has a 1000 or so miles on it. The front end has been totally rebuilt and converted to disc brakes just recently. When the motor was changed the tranny was converted to a C4 as well including a balanced drive shaft. All that work was done by a Mustang shop in Nebraska I believe. They car was then brought to TX and kept in his garage. The guy started in regularly until just the last couple of years when their young children took more time than he had to play with the car. During that time the Brakes were done as well at the stearing column was changed. The front end has not been aligned since the conversion which included changing the spindals and all to a 67 since I understand them to be a little stronger. The fuel was stabelized but I am sure the fuel is a little iffy since it is around 4-5 years old. I would expect that the rings are not stuck or any such issues. The radiator was also replaced recently as well. Didn't know what exactly to do to prevent piston wall damage if any. Additionally it was converted to electronic ignition as well. It should be a fun little ride once I get the front end aligned and running.

 

[rbohm]

In addition to what rbohm listed, rotate the crank shaft TWO complete turns, this allows the valve train to cycle one complete turn. I've reawakened two 390's that sat for 7 years and only removed the plugs and poured a whole quart of trans fluid in all 8 cylinders. Let it sit overnight, then rotated crank two turns, then cranked it with the starter till the trans fluid cleared. Replaced the plugs, changed the points and condensor, poured some gas in the carb throats, then let her rip. Both started immediately and ran like swiss watches. If it's been garaged all that time, I doubt you'll need to do all he listed. Long as the "critters" didn't make a home somewhere in the motor.

while one revolution will do fine, two is a better idea. and granted he might not have to do everything i listed, but better to do them than not. cause if the engine breaks and you didnt do everything, you will always wonder.

 

[D.Hearne]

while one revolution will do fine, two is a better idea. and granted he might not have to do everything i listed, but better to do them than not. cause if the engine breaks and you didnt do everything, you will always wonder.

True, I just mentioned turning the crank two turns to completely cycle the valvetrain so as to catch anything stuck there. Doing all you listed is a good idea, depending on the circumstances I guess to me anyway. (car's value and where and how long it was stored)