Considering a 72 F100 w/ a 360
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Frostburg, MD
Considering a 72 F100 w/ a 360
I recently found locally a 1972 F100 with a 360 in it. It's been garage kept for the last 15 years and has ~80k on the transmission. The seller tells me it ran okay when he put it in the garage (15 yrs ago).
What do you all think will need to be done in the short-term to get this truck running okay. It's just a gorgeous truck for around-the-town weekend driving, nothing fancy.
I'm wondering if really could just use an fluid change, some fresh gas & run decently.
Thanks,
Cooke
What do you all think will need to be done in the short-term to get this truck running okay. It's just a gorgeous truck for around-the-town weekend driving, nothing fancy.
I'm wondering if really could just use an fluid change, some fresh gas & run decently.
Thanks,
Cooke
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Pittsburgh,Pa.
I'd change all the fluids and filters.Then drain the gas out and put in some fresh stuff.Disconnect the coil wire and roll the engine over a few times.Hook the coil up and fire it up.It will likely stumble and maybe smoke a bit until it runs for awhile.Before you get excited about going for a ride jack it up and go over the brakes carefully.The rubber components in a brake system tend to deteriorate over time and you will likely have to replace a few things to make it safe.Hope this helps.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Front Royal
Great find
I would also pull all plugs and put about a teaspoon of oil in each cylinder. Then disconnect the battery and turn over by hand. While I was doing that I would have the carb disassembled and sitting in cleaner. A new carb kit, plugs and points and she should be ready to fire. Don't forget your transmission, rear end, brake and power steering and other fluids. Condensation and age will ruin all of your fluids. Better to change them now and hope you seals and bearings are still good. Also check all of your rubber hoses. Good luck and enjoy a great truck.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
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From: The hills of No. Calif.
Hi and welcome! Sounds like a nice truck. If you get it, be sure to start a gallery and post some pics.
When I got my '68, it had been sitting in a field for ten years. At least the one you're looking at was garaged...
I had to clean the points to get spark, which was no big deal. The brake system was relatively sound but I did lose a wheel cylinder a few months later, so I certainly agree with Redcat Diesel about checking out the brake system, and I had to do some carb work. And yes, if there's any old gas in there, get it out. You might feel that you can dilute any old gas with fresh and burn it out, but there's a slight problem with that. FE engines can bend pushrods from burning old gas. The gas leaves a coating of varnish on the valve stems which hardens when the engine cools off, gluing the valves to the guides. When you next start it up, you get instant bent pushrods.
Don't ask me how I know...
When I got my '68, it had been sitting in a field for ten years. At least the one you're looking at was garaged...
I had to clean the points to get spark, which was no big deal. The brake system was relatively sound but I did lose a wheel cylinder a few months later, so I certainly agree with Redcat Diesel about checking out the brake system, and I had to do some carb work. And yes, if there's any old gas in there, get it out. You might feel that you can dilute any old gas with fresh and burn it out, but there's a slight problem with that. FE engines can bend pushrods from burning old gas. The gas leaves a coating of varnish on the valve stems which hardens when the engine cools off, gluing the valves to the guides. When you next start it up, you get instant bent pushrods.
Don't ask me how I know...
New User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 17
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From: Eugene, Oregon
I would deff. trailer it home and do what everyone else has said and change all of the fluids and gas, and the just go through everything and check it over before driving it. Sounds like it was well cared for, so I doubt you would have to much to worrie about besides the fact that it sat for so long. I'd go for it, but that is just me.
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From: Frostburg, MD
Thanks guys. I should be getting it within a week or so. I'll post pictures as soon as it's in my possession.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to do all that you mentioned. However, I do not know what "Disconnect the coil wire and roll the engine over a few times.Hook the coil up and fire it up" means. Please elaborate.
Thanks,
Cooke
Thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to do all that you mentioned. However, I do not know what "Disconnect the coil wire and roll the engine over a few times.Hook the coil up and fire it up" means. Please elaborate.
Thanks,
Cooke
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Pittsburgh,Pa.
Originally Posted by cookes_72_F100
Thanks guys. I should be getting it within a week or so. I'll post pictures as soon as it's in my possession.
Thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to do all that you mentioned. However, I do not know what "Disconnect the coil wire and roll the engine over a few times.Hook the coil up and fire it up" means. Please elaborate.
Thanks,
Cooke
Thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to do all that you mentioned. However, I do not know what "Disconnect the coil wire and roll the engine over a few times.Hook the coil up and fire it up" means. Please elaborate.
Thanks,
Cooke
The wire I mentioned is the 1 that goes from the center of the distributor cap to the ignition coil.Disconnecting it will disable the ignition. After you do that turn the key as if you were going to start it and let the engine crank a few seconds and release the key.I'd repeat this 2 or 3 times the reconnect the wire and start the engine.The reason for this is to help prime the lube oil system before the engine starts."Fire it, fire it up, light it , crank it up are all slang terms for starting an engine.
If you ever hear the term " make smoke" it means the same thing but it is used in reference to a diesel engine.Good luck with your new ride.
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Freshman User
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From: Frostburg, MD
Well, the delay was due to a baby girl that I just had but I called the guy tonight & the truck is still on the market. He's out of town this week but will be returning next week.
I told him I'd call him 1st thing on Monday morning to schedule a buy/sale.
Keep your fingers crossed that the Mrs. or new baby do not hinder the plans to acquire the big blue truck!
I told him I'd call him 1st thing on Monday morning to schedule a buy/sale.
Keep your fingers crossed that the Mrs. or new baby do not hinder the plans to acquire the big blue truck!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Pittsburgh,Pa.
Originally Posted by cookes_72_F100
Redcat, I just realized your from Pitts. If I get this truck up & running good, I should take her a couple hours north and buy you a beer!
Thanks for all the good advice.
Thanks for all the good advice.
