STEVE-O Steve I don't know how much mechanicial knowledge you have but here are the things to do,
#1 Make sure you prime the motor before even think about starting it. Cranking a motor that has sat for months even without the ignition on is wrong. 75-80% of wear is caused by cranking because there is no oil pressure to keep the metal from rubbing on the metal. The last 2 bearings to get oil unless you have a side oiler block is 4 and 8 rod. There are the ones that fail in a motor about 70% of the time. Been there, seen that on all different types of motors. It takes about 15-20 second to get FULL pressure to all the moving parts in the motor. Your gauge may read 60 psi but the top of the motor may only have 5-10 to start with. A motor is a controlled oil leak from top to bottom. Fe motors loose about 20-30 psi between the bottom end and the rocker shaft when running. Unless you added a oil suppliment like STP, EOS, or Lucas oil suppliment, ALL the surfaces will be dry except for the bottom of the rod and crank bearings( MAYBE). Mark the distributor at the cap and base of the housing. Get a good drill, 1/2" and turn the oil pump for about 30 -45 seconds. This will give you oil to the top of the motor. Re install the distributor back in the car and tighten. All the marks will line up. You may have to twist the oil pump drive to get the distributor base flat with the intake manifold. Don't force it too much. Should almost drop right in.
Install new spark plugs. I hope the gas got some stablizer added before sitting.
Turn on the electric fuel pump until you hear the fuel stop coming into the float bowls. Takes about 5-10 seconds. Turn off the pump.
Pump the carb 2-3 times to set the choke. Don't play with the gas pedal too much and fire her up. Run on fuel pump when running. If it doesn't start you will not flood out the motor and wash down the cylinders of the block. Fast Idle should be in the 1,100-1,300 rpms. Leave it there until you get some heat in the motor, about 140f on the coolant gauge. Then let the fast idle off and let it idle until you have some temp in the oil, about 3-5 minutes. At this time check for leaks and give a walk around.
You are ready to go for a cruise. After this I would change the oil and filter and cut open the filter and check for any metal particals. Check coolant level too. When you are ready to put her away for the winter, start another thread and will walk you though that too.
Rick L. PS fogging the motor is a good idea also but again you may have to change plugs. Marine stuff works the best but not cheap. Sea foam.
Don't crank a dry motor
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