Start up questions

[Icefan71]

The more I think about it, the more I realize I shouldn't be in such a rush to get my 72 Lemans running. It hasn't run in 2 years and before that it was only started up and moved around the guy's yard I bought it from. I need a starter so its not gonna run right now anyway. And I plan on doing an ignition tune up and I need to probably correct the timing. So should I go ahead and empty the fuel tank? There's definitely some old gas in there. Does it need to be cleaned somehow? And should I clean/replace the fuel lines and hoses? Visually, they don't look original and they aren't dried up or cracked or corroded. And how about the carb? Does that need going over, or a rebuild? Sorry for the newbie questions, but I don't know so I ask. I always do all the work on my vehicles, but this is the 1st carbureted, non computer car and its all new to me. I've been doing as much reading online as I can. Sites like this are a big help.

 

[melsg5]

well, the proper way is first drain the engine oil, remove the old oil filter, fill the new filter with oil before putting back on. Then if you want to be adventurous, remove the distributer after putting the mark on the damper in line with the zero on the timing cover and marking the position of the distributer relative to the intake manifold and the position of the rotor relative to the distributer housing. Pull both valve covers and make sure you are on #1 cylinder not #6. Buy an oil priming rod. It attaches to a strong electric drill and is inserted where the distributer goes. Spin it till oil start coming out of the pushrods. Put the distributer back in and the valve covers. Drain the gas from the tank and put a new fuel filter in the carburetor and if you want put an additional inline filter. Put fresh gas in and try starting it. If it runs drive it for awhile and then replace the inline filter. Keep an eye out for any leaks. Probably should also change the antifreeze, rear end fluid and transmission fluid and filter.

 

[Icefan71]

Thanks melsg5. That sounds like some pretty good advice. I never heard of the oil priming rod. I'll have to look into that.

 

[melsg5]

check www.summitracing.com for a picture and you could order it from them if you cannt find it local