Ok so I recently picked up a non running 1965 Ford pickup. I'm trying to do most all of the work myself on restoring this truck. It's got a big block, I believe he said it's the 352 cid . Anyways, the previous owner said the engine has not ran in the last 5 years and I'm needing advise on what to do to possibly get the engine to start.

It's got the 3 speed manual on the column and when loaded on the trailer it was apparently in gear because the fan was turning so I know the motor will turn. Just need some advise on what steps to take to try and start this engine. I don't think the wiring to the key is intact so I'll need to start it with another method. I just want to see if the engine will run.

Any advise or steps would be greatly appreciated.

 

I am about to do the same on a motor I stored 10 years ago due an electrical issue in the car.

Spray Marvel mystery oil in the cylinders to lubricate the rings when you first fire it up.
Drain the oil, and run the thinnest cheap stuff you can find. Get it hot, and drain it out so it takes any sludge with it.
New coolant, and thermostat wouldn't hurt likely.

The FE engine is considered a big block, but personally I consider it more of a HD mid block. Due to the relative ease of finding 390's, and how rare 427's are. Built right with headers it will outlast and 350, 351, and or any other small block. Plus it likely last just as long as a 454,460, or 440 in heavy use.

 

camaroguru67 Welcome to FTE & the Slicks Forum.

Agree with Z, big bock is a GM term, the FE is a mid size block engine family, the 385 series 460 fits that role better.

I would start inspecting fluids and draining them, trying to make sure the water was still holding a near normal level and not way down from a cracked block, or a lot of funny looking stuff in the oil. Drain all gas from the tank and don't re-connect tank line back to the pump. Buy a 6 qt oil change, put the filter on and 5 qts in the block, with all the spark plugs out pour a couple spoon fulls in to each plug hole, buy 2 gallons of antifreeze mixing each half & half with grocery store distilled water, refill the system.

With the plugs out, no gas connected turn the engine over with the starter until the oil pressure comes up to normal. Put new plugs in. You might also want to rebuild the carb. Place some gas in a small neck water or soda bottle (small neck only to restrict flow in case you have a backfire and jump back, you don't want to sling gas everywhere) See if the engine will fire. I'd try to rig a gas tank from one of the empty antifreeze bottles. Only refill truck tank after you have pulled it and at least rinsed it with gas a couple times. Keep looking for any leaks, go slow, make sure it will pass the sniff test. You really want to keep look for water leaks from cracked block.

No doubt you can have it running again & soon.



John