Starting engine after 20 years

[Fullbrook]

Hi guys,

I am about to start work on a 1970 Plymouth Satellite, The engine was pulled from the car around 1995, and has been sitting since.

It ran fine before it was pulled, or at least I was told. I don't have the funds to do any sort of major work to it, but I want to make sure I don't blow it up or have any major issues when I put it back in.

What should I do to it before I put it back in the car?

Thanks in advance

 

[bm02tj]

pull dist and prime engine and turn over by hand
re install dist then start and it will have a fighting chance

 

[idrivemopar]

First thing is to see if it turns by hand, but prime it first. If its out of the car, how was it stored, if outside, probably has rust internally and who knows what else and may need to be torn down and resealed, maybe honed, if inside, then you may just need to change gaskets on oil pan, intake, timing cover, water pump as they are dried out. Prime the cylinders with a lubricant before trying to start it, I am sure they are bone dry. Get some new plugs and fresh oil. If the carburetor is still with it, it most likely needs rebuilt.

 

[Glenwood]

I'd want to get lots of oil in the cylinders through the spark plug holes to prevent any damage from potentially dry rings. I don't think priming will help in the cylinder areas, just the bearings. I suggest also pulling the rocker covers to see the oil making it up there.

 

[Garys1969RR]

Yes to all above, I also put new oil and filter in my 69 RR 440 before priming and starting. Carb leaked gas all over, but it ran great after a carb re build. It had sat for 12 years.

 

[Dennis H]

Motor? 318? Folklore. Why was it pulled?

 

[Fullbrook]

The motor is a 318,

My dad bought the car from my grandfather in the early 90's, and started on the restore. He got it taken apart, and just started on the bodywork, then my brother and I happened, and it sat for 20 years.

The motor has been stored on an engine stand in a heated(ish) garage, so i'm hoping it wont give me too many issues.


So I think my plan of attack will be to pop the oil pan and valve covers first, and just take a look for corrosion, or anything obvious. I'll prime it and turn it over a few times before trying to start it. Hopefully it wont explode.