Barn find
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New User
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 15
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Barn find
Just purchased 55 F100 that has not been touched in 15 years. What steps should I take before trying to start. I know the typical precautions but want to make sure I do not overlook anything.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
Welcome to the forum. If you know and follow the normally accepted procedures to bring an unknown engine out of long term storage or neglect, you should have no problems with the 55. Nothing that I can think of that would be much different than any other engine. Do you have a six or eight cyl? Again, welcome to the forum. Pictures of your new truck would be appreciated as well as any stories related to the truck.
Edit: The Y blocks are known to have valve train lubrication problems but that would be a first check.
Edit: The Y blocks are known to have valve train lubrication problems but that would be a first check.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 794
Likes: 120
From: Behind the wheel, IN
Seriously though, congrats on the purchase.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Your 1955 is 6 volt positive ground which requires much thicker battery cables than 12 volt negative ground introduced in 1956.
Senior User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Billings, Montana
1. post pictures
2. change oil and oil filter.
3. remove distributer
4. spin oil pump to prime your system
5. replace distributer
6. hook up battery
7. prime carb
8. try to start
9. post pictures.
2. change oil and oil filter.
3. remove distributer
4. spin oil pump to prime your system
5. replace distributer
6. hook up battery
7. prime carb
8. try to start
9. post pictures.
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Knuckle Bandage Sales Rep
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,676
Likes: 1,245
From: Maine
Welcome from Maine.
You found the right place to get your information and support.
I'll add a "#5a" to Cobweb's numbered list.
Get a fire extinguisher and keep it very handy. If the float is sticking it could pump surplus gas down onto the manifold.
As for #4.....There are threads on here on how to do that with a hand drill.
And oh yeah...check all your grounding points for the wiring/starter/solenoid/ignition switch/starter button.
Tom
You found the right place to get your information and support.
I'll add a "#5a" to Cobweb's numbered list.
Get a fire extinguisher and keep it very handy. If the float is sticking it could pump surplus gas down onto the manifold.
As for #4.....There are threads on here on how to do that with a hand drill.
And oh yeah...check all your grounding points for the wiring/starter/solenoid/ignition switch/starter button.
Tom
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 336
From: Bakersfield, CA
(and if steps 2-8½ don't happen as a result of step 1½, just call some friends over, they're sure to help...)Don't forget to post some pictures
FTE fan
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 11
From: paradise, northern calif.
And a big FTE welcome from me as well. Congratulations on your new 55 F-100. I cant wait to see your truck as it sits, and as you bring it back to life. Yes we love pictures here, and any pictures you take will be very cool for you to have after you have completed your work on it. Hang on for one of the most enjoyable hobbies a person could ever partake in. Its fun, its cool, its rewarding, so rock on my friend, I hope you get as much enjoyment out of the process as I had and still have working on mine.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 25
From: San Mateo, CA
I brought a 289 out of a 15 year sleep and did all the stuff Steve mentioned.
Beyond that, I removed the spark plugs and shot some PB Blaster lubricating oil in through the holes on top of each of the pistons. Leave the spark plugs out to remove compression, and then spin the engine with the starter to ensure the cylinders and rings were lubed top and bottom.
Once the engine started the fuel pump failed almost immediately, as well as the accelerator pump on the carb. A new fuel pump, fuel filter, and rebuilt carb are almost certainly required.
Beyond that, I removed the spark plugs and shot some PB Blaster lubricating oil in through the holes on top of each of the pistons. Leave the spark plugs out to remove compression, and then spin the engine with the starter to ensure the cylinders and rings were lubed top and bottom.
Once the engine started the fuel pump failed almost immediately, as well as the accelerator pump on the carb. A new fuel pump, fuel filter, and rebuilt carb are almost certainly required.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,723
Likes: 823
From: Wentzville, MO
Welcome to FTE 
I'd agree with Rob you'll end up replacing all the rubber eventually. I woke my 272 up after better than a 25 year sleep. Changed plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor as well as all the fluids and filters. Ran it for about 6 months (just short trips) and blew a head gasket.
I'd agree with Rob you'll end up replacing all the rubber eventually. I woke my 272 up after better than a 25 year sleep. Changed plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor as well as all the fluids and filters. Ran it for about 6 months (just short trips) and blew a head gasket.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 2
From: springfield il
In the case of my 53 the flatty was a little "stuck" . so i loaded it up with deisel fuel let it soak and even though it broke loose i still bent two valves and replaced the intake gaskets and eventually had to replace both head gaskets ..... So expect some hiccups to occur .....
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 791
Likes: 11
From: Louisville
What engine? 6 or 12 volt? Obviously you'll check the oil and coolant. Disconnect the fuel line after the pump and disconnect the feed to the coil. Remove the spark plugs. Try turning the engine over by hand. If it spins fairly easily, drain the oil and see what comes out. If it looks decent considering its age change the filter and add fresh oil. Install fresh battery and crank engine while collecting a sample of fuel, noting its condition. A compression test is a good idea if you haven't heard any nasty noises up to this point. You might add a couple squirts of oil to the cylinders through the spark plug holes at this point. If the fuel doesn't look horrible drain the tank and add fresh fuel. If it looks bad remove tank, clean it out and add fresh and change the filter. You could substitute drawing from a gas can, placed well away from the truck, to begin. Reattach feed to distributor and check for spark while cranking. If you have decent spark check carb for fuel. If you have clean oil, fresh fuel, decent spark and compression it should start. We're all crossing our fingers for ya!
