390 start-up
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 259
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From: Mount Sunapee, NH
390 start-up
I just installed a '67 390 2bbl car engine in my '72 F250 4x4. Its all stock except i replaced the oil pump with a high volume one and put in electronic ignition so i changed the dist. too. I put in new oil pan, valve cover, timing chaing cover, and water pump gaskets. I put in new plugs and rebuilt the 2bbl carb for it. My question is this engine has been sitting in a garage and covered for the past 10 years and i am about to start it up for the first time in a while what can i or should i do to make this a successful start-up? I know i should have changed the valve seals because they are hard and brittle. So i know there will be some buring of oil right there. This truck will be used as a work truck for firewood and plowing snow here in vermont, so buring a little bit of oil is ok at this point. I just don't want to cease the motor on start up or right there after. Any pointers would be helpful.
Thanks
Jeff
Thanks
Jeff
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,188
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From: yes
390 start-up
get a 1/2 drill that is reversible, a long extension and a 1/4" bit and prelube the engine by putting the socket on the oil pump driveshaft and spinning the drill in reverse 'till oil comes out the rocker shafts or for about 2 minutes, then turn the engine over 90 degrees and do it again until you've turned it 360 degrees.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 166
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390 start-up
It wouldn't hurt to remove all the plugs and squirt some lubricant into each cylinder to help lube the upper portions of the cylinders. Also, make sure your carb is "fresh." I had a 10-year sitter as well and the inside of the carb was gummed and varnished like you wouldn't believe. The thing never would have started without a new/rebuilt carb.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
390 start-up
Prime the oil as the other post says, then clean and prime the carb, set the timming as close as you can, use fresh plugs and make sure it rotates freely by hand, use fresh oil. Most important is to see the oil come out the rocker when you prime it.
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 47
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390 start-up
Good advice on pre-lubing with the oil pump. I'd advise, however, that you use a speed handle (looks like an old brace 'n bit) to turn the oil pump. I burnt up a good drill prelubing a 351M for an '81 Bronco. It takes more torque than you'd think.
'00 F-250 XLT CC SB V-10 3.73LS Silver\Graphite
'00 F-250 XLT CC SB V-10 3.73LS Silver\Graphite
