Old engine pre start prep

[Sonny]

I am about to install my new 1978 360. The assembly turns nice and free but it's been sitting 1 year? 2 years? 5? Not sure. Should I spray something in the cylinders to lube the rings prior to startup? Any others ideas? The oil was full and looked fine and the antifreeze was nice and green. This is a crate engine with 15- 20 thousand miles before it was parked. Thanks.

 

[Basket case]

might want to get an oil priming shaft (or make one) $11 from Summit and get some oil flowing before start up. Or spray some oil in the cylinders, and turn it over a few times before lighting it off.

 

[snakeoil24]

Marvel Mystery in each cylinder 1/3 teaspoon. Let sit over nite, Start with Hi test gas so you have plenty of margin to set timing without knock. Then hit it!

 

[Garys1969RR]

X2, on all of the above. Especially the priming of the oil pump. That way you have fresh, clean pressurized oil flowing to all parts on initial start up.

 

[SublimeSixpack]

Just food for thought.
Since the distributor is in the back, I think I'd do the oil priming while the engine is out of the car. Maybe the day before priming pull the plugs and add a little Marvel Mystery Oil like already mentioned. Then with some help turn the engine over manually (and slowly) with a breaker bar and socket while priming with a primer shaft and drill.
Find TDC comp. stroke on #1 then drop the intermediate shaft back in, dist. next.
Install engine and fire it up.

 

[69L48Z27]

I would also take the rocker covers off and spin the engine, watch to see if any valves are stuck. Last two engines I've played with had stuck valves for some reason. You can also watch your oil prime come to the top end.

 

[Garys1969RR]

I always pull the hood before installing a motor. That makes it so much easier, with better access to the transmission bolts. Then you can easily get a drill into the oil pump at the back of the motor.

 

[WileE]

Marvel mystery oil, priming, valve covers, fresh fuel, all excellent advice.

 

[oldbee]

I did the exact same things as the above posts; 10+yrs of sitting & all was fine. Oh, new spark plugs also -after- a short crank to get rid of the Marvel Mystery.