how to start an engine that has sat for years?

Hey all, I scored two jeeps form my uncle for free!:AMC: Ones an '83 cj5, body and frame shot but has a large ramsey winch, but engine looks good. It has a new cap roter etc. oil looks clean on dip stick. Is there anything to do before I crank it over? I know its been sitting for years. or just fire it up? I has a 4 speed, would that be a t176? The other jeep has a good frame and ok body same straight six w 4 speed. I think its older though by a few years.

 

Just make sure it has all the right fluids. If it has been sitting for a long time I would use an alternative gas tank (I have an old snapper lawn mower tank I can strap to a Jeep fender) until you get all the old gas out.

 

Might try squirting some auto tranny fluid in the cylinders, then gently work the crank. Purpose is to work loose any stuck rings and loosen up any rust on the cylinder walls. Dont' crank it over with plugs installed with lots of fluid in the cylinder or you'll hydro your engine and bend a valve or pushrod. And don't crank it over with plugs disconnected unless you also disconnect the hot lead from your coil. Otherwise you risk having the coil arc over internally since there is no path to ground via the spark plugs.

Change plugs, wires, cap, rotor, points, condenser. If I think the engine has a fighting chance I'd rather start off with known good ignition components.

You can get fancy and pre-lube the engine using its own oil pump. Oil pump is probably driven by the distributor shaft? If so pull the distributor and stick a long rod with flat-blade tip (like screwdriver), spin the rod with drill for a while. If you have the valve cover off I think maybe you'd see oil up through pushrods? Wouldn't hurt to pour oil over all of the rockers anyhow.

Replace all rubber fuel lines, change fuel filter. I like Joker's idea about the external temporary fuel tank.

 

I asked that same question, you'll find good replies on my thread @
http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38227

Eventually it fired right up and runs strong

I ended up with new hoses, master cylinder and slaves, new gas line, new gas tank, changed all fluids, tune up parts, new fuel filters x2, some electrical trouble shooting, replaced some sending units for gauges, and some other misc crap.

 

That "free" feeling wears off real quick don't it! R)

 

Isn't that the truth!R)

 

R) these are jeeps #7 and #8 for me right now, I just can't say no! I need that "support group" NUMBER :driving: I did score a nice ramsey winch in the deal which works great! Its Free, free no parts needed.R)

 

WOW an '83 and a '76? I think T-176 in the '83 and a T-18 in the '76. Great job! Take the advice on the gas tank, I'm dealing with a messy one that was brought back to life myself. Good luck!