HELP!!! just bought a 1978 ford
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HELP!!! just bought a 1978 ford
I just got a 78 ford f150 ranger that has a 302. It has been sitting for almost 8 years. i know i gotta buy a battery, the person i bought this truck off of said it just "died". so what would anyone recommend me to do.. got tires, I am going to buy all new hoses, belt, battery and change all oils. what can i do to make sure this truck is ready to go. thanks in advance
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Knoxville, TN
I just bought a '74 that'd been sitting for a couple years, but would actually start and run (transmission wouldn't engage forward though). I did all you listed, plus rebuilt the carburetor, replaced all filters, tuned up the ignition system (plugs/wires/cap/rotor), and of course rebuilt the transmission.
Be prepared to find other problems too - automatic transmissions don't usually take well to sitting for long periods, you may find leaks in power steering or brake systems, wiring issues, missing parts, etc. I'd at least go over the brakes with a fine-toothed comb to make sure it'll stop if you get it going!
Be prepared to find other problems too - automatic transmissions don't usually take well to sitting for long periods, you may find leaks in power steering or brake systems, wiring issues, missing parts, etc. I'd at least go over the brakes with a fine-toothed comb to make sure it'll stop if you get it going!
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Huntington WV
Welcome to the site. When he said it just died did he say how like when he would give it gas or would not stay running or what? An you can have the alt. & starter tested an see if they are good & check the fuse links on it & the voltage regulator & solenoid & fuel filter.
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yeah it a manuel tansmission. and i will check all u guys listed as well.. and died mean that he started it, 2minutes later it died, and he parked it!!!! never even looked at it. kinda just put it in the back of his property and let it sit...
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From: Maryland
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Posting Guru
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From: Huntington WV
no problem I had a time trying to figure out why mine would not start when I first got it I did everything I listed an found out it was the fuse links an the starter. This site has been a big help in just a year I have had it.
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From: Lawton, OK
Congratulations on your purchase of a basketcase!
Pull the spark plugs out and oil the cylinders down, then roll the motor over by hand before you attempt to start it. Probably not a bad idea to pull the distributor and prime the oil pump either.
Pull the spark plugs out and oil the cylinders down, then roll the motor over by hand before you attempt to start it. Probably not a bad idea to pull the distributor and prime the oil pump either.