starting a dormant flathead

hombres ruin

hombres ruin

Well-known member
Hi guys.Just looking for some advice as what i need to do when starting an engine that has been dormant for about 8 months.It been having work done on the frame,and trunk and i would like to know what precautions i should take.The background is this,its a rebuilt 50 8 ba,with 7,000 miles ,offy heads,dual 94s msd magnetic breakerless ignition and a super clean block,runs beautifully and never had any trouble with her.What about an oil change before start up ? you can check out my profile pics the engine is pictured there.Thanks
 
I just fired up our '47 Convertible after she had a three year nap. I installed a fresh battery, checked the oil level, put in some fresh gas and hit the starter. After the second hit she fired up. I put a little MMO down the carbs and everything has been running just fine, so far I've put about 300 miles on her. Our '47's Flathead 59A is set up like your 8BA.
 
Only 8 months? That's barely a nap. There's no way to crank the oil pump without spinning the whole thing over and no practical way to pre-oil anything. There's no way to tell if the gas has soured and no real reason to drain and refill the gas tank and the carb bowl. 8 months shouldn't cause the oil any problems.

I'd crank it without spark a bit first and then let 'er rip.

BTW no engine pic in profile, unless that Hottie makes your motor run.
 
Thanks mike for the advice,yeah no pic in the profile,i swear it was uploaded,but i guess it didnt.The hottie can make anything thats been dormant start straight up.I know 8 nmonths isnt that long of a time,just didnt want to foul something up when i started her.
 
if it were mine i would pull all the plugs and squirt a little marvel mystery oil in each cylinder, then turn engine over with out the plugs installed till i had oil pressure showing on the gauge,then start engine and watch the carb to make sure the float hasnt stuck
 
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