First attemp to start

[JohnMSeymour]

The time is approching for me to start my 1951 Champion. It hasn't been running for decades except for the time when I was buyng it that we squirted gas down the throat of the carb. I found a problem with the assembly of the carb. So I'm going to start it with a liitle gas tank suspended above the carb. I heard some of you saying that before you start an engine like this, you squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil into each cylinder. How much? A couple of ounces? I thought I would use a big syringe to try to circulate it around the edge of the top of the pistons. Any suggestions?
BTW, I will crank the engine with out spark to pump some oil up. The oil in it looks good and I wasn't planning on changing it untill after I get it running. Thanks, John

[Tom Bredehoft]

The oil in it looks good and I wasn't planning on changing it

That might not be a good idea. How long has it been setting, and where is the stuff that settled out, around the oil pickup?

Change the oil before you crank it over, it's a lot cheaper than any damage you might have to repair.

[JohnMSeymour]

Ok. Will do.

[BobGlasscock]

Push the clutch pedal in.

[JohnMSeymour]

Push the clutch pedal in?

[Jim B PEI]

Yes, don't try to start it in neutral with the clutch pedal out. Try to start it in neutral with the clutch pedal in. Of course, if you have an automatic, then ignore this advice <g>

[Bud]

Do not try to start an engine with the clutch pedal in as that will put a load on the thrust main bearing possibly causing excessive wear the the bearing which is dry from sitting for an extended period. Be sure that the transmission is in neutral and leave the clutch alone if the car has a standard trans in it before you try to start the engine. Bud

[Lothar]

Push the clutch pedal in.

I would guess that Bob was simply making reference to the starter switch being located under the clutch pedal. Perhaps, however, I shouldn't act as his interpreter. He can confuse others quite well without my help

[BobGlasscock]

Actually, I just didn't want the car to start while in gear and go somewhere. But this idle bit of jocularity has produced some very interesting responses. I may do it again.

[gordr]

Well, I'd pull the spark plugs, and pour a little oil in each cylinder. Marvel Mystery Oil or 2-stroke motor oil, or plain old motor oil. Leave the plugs out, and crank it until you get oil pressure. Install the plugs, and give her a shot. I hope you are outside!

I'll be a contrarian on the oil change issue. If you pull the dipstick now, chances are that oil will be as clear as a fine wine. All the particulate matter has long since settled out. If there was any acid in the old oil, it's already done its dirty work. Better to run the engine on the oil that's in it, let the old oil pick up whatever sludge it can, and then drain it hot, hopefully getting the most sludge out that way. If you drain it cold, most of the sludge in the bottom of the pan will simply stay there, waiting to contaminate the new oil.

The absolute best answer is to drain the old oil cold, then drop the pan, clean it thoroughly with a brush and solvent, then reinstall it with new gaskets. If you are willing to go to all that work for an engine whose condition is uncertain, fine. Me, I will run it first, to let the old oil scavenge as much crud from the engine as it can. Needless to say, if you pull the dipstick, and find nothing but gooey tar on it, drain that out, and go with new oil. A quart of ATF added will help clean things out, too.

[JohnMSeymour]

Gordr-So, I decided to drain the oil. Removed the plug, No oil came out! I knew there was oil in there. So, I stuck my finger in there and out comes prety red stuff (MMO?) and then the oil. They both were fairly clean. I'm going to remove the pan and do what you suggested. Thanks, John

[dlagrua]

If you didn't drain the tank I would immediately do so. Old rancid and stale gasoline won't start your engine. Sometimes the stuff turns to varnish and must be flushed out with solvents. If there is rust in the tank, you will need to coat the tank with a lining chemical called gas tank liner, let dry and then refill wiuth fresh gasoline. Then after fog oiling the cylinders, fill the carburetor bowl with gas (using a squeee bottle) crank it over and see if it starts. Its a good idea to also replace any rubber fuel line coupling along the way. If you can get it to crank over, it should be able to start but things like fuel pump diaphragms can get brittle and rupture with age.