We have an old F-600 with a 292 that hasn't been started since 1997 probably.. What are some suggestions to get the thing started for the first time without causing damage.. If something has sat for that long, i will usually turn the thing over manually alittle to loosen stuff up. Good idea? Anything else?

 

pull the plugs and crank it until you get some oil pressure then start it up. chnage the oil and filter first also.

 

Pulling the plugs to spin it up is a good idea. The rear main seal will be dry so if you pressurize the oil system by cranking it with the plugs out, the rear main seal has a chance to get some oil in it so it doesn't get scorched by dry-starting it. After you've 'pre-lubed' it, let it sit for a little while so the rope seal has a chance to absorb the oil. Also, spray some PB Blaster in the spark plug holes to help loosen the rings.

You might want to change the oil and add some STP Oil Treament or GM EOS. I'd use the Mobil motor oil at WalMart. Not the synthetic, the regular oil. Make sure there's enough fluid in the radiator so the water pump doesn't have a dry start, too.

Good luck.

 

Alright... ! Thanks guys. If nothing comes up before I get to it, I will probably do it tomorrow. I will report back later.

 

Well, this isn't as easy as I thought it would be. I don't seem to have any spark. I took the coil to distributor wire off to check. When I turn it by hand I get spark, but when I crank it with the battery theres no spark... I'm perplexed..

 

Well, I got her going! I adjusted the points, but I know I need to give this thing a tune up. The spark plug wires are in terrible condition. I also have a noise. It sounds like a collapsed lifter. Hopefully it quiets alittle. I also had to put another 2bbl carb on it from my Mustang. I will be checking the brakes and clutch tomorrow.

 

this noise should not be a collapsed lifter as 292 Y block has solid lifters you might want to pull valve covers and adjust valves or at least investigate this noise further before you run it to much !!!

 

Ok. I was actually just told today while working on the truck that they are solid lifters. And I was also told to adjust the valves. Lol. Thanks

 

I am in need o0f some engine tech help!!--I have a similiar story--a 272 in a 56 with 21k and a 4 speed.Has not run for 15 years and is a barn find.Anyhow---all new components on engine-except coil/resistor are original.Wires are original but will be replaced once she runs.I pulled distributor and installed all new points ,etc.When READY TO INSTALL MARKS WERE GONE AND WAS LOST WHERE TO PUT ROTOR AT.So I talked to some guys and they told me to find tdc and then install dist.,at rotor facing no.1 cyl.and still after 3 attempts will not start.I have fuel and I have spark at plugs but I think wires or dist.is not right.When I start putting wires on after finding no.1 cylinder I went counter-clockwise with the order on manifold.IS THIS CORRECT?I have the marks on balancer at tdc and then put dist.in and put cap back on,and still nothing.PLEASE HELP!!! THANKS new-guy Bill

 

Are you at TDC on the exhaust stroke or compression stroke? Might want to make sure.

 

A couple of things...

1) Counterclockwise is correct, & the order on the manifold hopefully is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2.

2) Keep in mind Ford engines are numbered differently than other brands. Should be like this:

Front passenger side:> 1 2 3 4 distributor
Front driver's side: > 5 6 7 8

Hopefully this will look OK once I post it.


3) The spark at the plug should be a nice hot blue one. If not, I'd think about swapping in a different coil temporarily. Also, you may want to bypass the resistor & run a full 12V at least to get it started, though it shouldn't stay that way. Good luck!

 

THANKS-you guys---I will try bypassing the reisistor.Do you think the wires are on wrong?You are right that the no.are 1-2-3-4-on pass side----and 5-6-7-8 on other.But I am placing the wires at thebottom clip-where cap is held on at-and thet is no.1---then counter-clockwise-5-4-8-6-3-7-2---I set rotor at no.1 and drop it in and the harmonic balancer reads tdc--or should it be 0? thanks for the help.

 

After sitting a long time, sometimes the valves get stuck in the guides. Since you have it running already, you probably bent a push rod. I bought a 55 Ford some years ago that had been sitting for almost 20 years. I started it up and bent 4 push rods because valves were stuck in the guides.

 

As a precaution if you need to store your engine again for a long time: When you wish to stop it, pour clean engine oil into the carb until smoke pours out the exhaust then choke until the engine stalls. This puts a coating over the valves and prevents them from sticking. I currently live in the UK and do not get out to Aust very often. When I am out there about every 3 yrs my 292 starts 1st time everytime. You must block off the carb inlet and the exhaust with a rag to prevent the oil from drying up. Oh and take the washing off the line!