I've been talking with a guy about a Cruising Wagon, but from what I have learned, it may have been sitting for YEARS.
I have already read here that I should pull the plugs and put in Marvel Mystery Oil for a while and then turn it by hand before trying to start it.
What about the gas? Assuming it has been sitting for years without any kind of fuel stabilizer, what should I do first?
Any other tips on getting this "barn beauty" road worthy would be welcome.
If it has been sitting for years,forget about using stabilizer in the gas.Just dump the old gas and and put in new.Pull the plugs and put a little oil of some kind in all the cylinders and let it sit for a while.With the plugs still out,turn the engine over several times with the starter to get some oil pressure.Replace the plugs,prime the carb and give it a go.It would be a good idea to at least clean the inside of the cap and rotor contacts before starting.It would be a better idea to just replace the plugs,wires cap and rotor.Curtis
When you say "dump the old gas", how would you go about that? Would I use some kind of pump to remove the gas or remove the gas tank and actually dump it?
Quote from: turbo toy on December 07, 2005, 09:07:28 AM
If it has been sitting for years,forget about using stabilizer in the gas.Just dump the old gas and and put in new.Pull the plugs and put a little oil of some kind in all the cylinders and let it sit for a while.With the plugs still out,turn the engine over several times with the starter to get some oil pressure.Replace the plugs,prime the carb and give it a go.It would be a good idea to at least clean the inside of the cap and rotor contacts before starting.It would be a better idea to just replace the plugs,wires cap and rotor.Curtis
"DUMP" was just an expression.Any way that you can get it out is fine.If there isn't but a gallon or so in it you will probably be OK to just add a little stabilizer and then put in a coulpe of gallons of fresh gas.
Thanks - any other tips out there would be appreciated too.
I have worked on a few of these that have sat for a long time. I agree with toy, pull the plugs and drop some oil in there, let is sit, then turn by hand, then crank it. I have never gone crazy until I knew what I had to deal with. I only had to re-build one carb, never had to drop a tank. The thing that I found is the lifters tend to lock from sludge. On 2 or 3 of mine I had to replace them, and the cars ran so much better and smoother after. If the car was running when parked, don't mess with too much before you try to start it (my $.02). If she won't start, go the the easy stuff first: spark, fuel, comp. Have a fire bottle handy, and if you can, have someone with you to help keep an eye on it for signs of problems.
Bill
one way to get the old gas out would be to disconnect the fuel line from the tank, run a hose from the tank to a catch can. use some sort of air nozzle to squirt compressed air. I also think it'd be a good idea to pull the tank and remove the sending unit and check the inside of the tank for any sludge or rust or any other gunk that could ruin a fuel pump and foul a carb. I've used a boat gas tank while I was looking for a new one. they're available at walmart.
krazi
you old farts know alot, but what i would do just to be on the safe side is dump that damn tank, it aint hard to pull, (unless its full) and then its ever so fun to set it on fire when your done!!! but my thoughts would be to pull the carb (while you have the chance), and clean it out THOUROUGLY (pardon the spelling) replace cap, plugs, rotor, coil (if it came with it) and the wires. pull the valve cover prime up them lifters and stuf with some oil, or some Risoline, and then pour some more oil down the cylendars, wait 15 min, crank it with your hands, then try to crank it with the motor (after replaceing the battery of course) if it cranks freely, re-install the tank, fill er up, have fun! and watch out for little critters and stuff that has called the wagon home for so many years.