I need some advice. I have a 77 f250 that I want to restore. The engine was stuck, I managed to free it up. I noticed during the process there wasn't any, ( very little) antifreeze in the radiator. A friend said to try and get it running. He said if you get it running you will know if there are any problems with it.The truck was sitting for a good 10 years. My brother who use to own the truck said in had problems with the Holly 4bbl. I put marvel mystery oil down the cylinders, and every couple of days turn the engine over with a 1/2" ratchet and socket
I tried to jump it and get the engine to turn over. No Luck. It could hardly turn over
What should I do?Should I try to get the thing running like my friend said, or should I just concentrate my efforts to going through the engine.
I have a little engine rebuilding experience, but need a direction to go in. Plus trying to build this truck on a limited budget for the next few years. I would appreciate any help
Can Do

 

tough call:

I turned over an engine that had been sitting in a car for over 8 years and worked fine
but the engine was well covered.

Its heads or tails, because if u have moisture in the cylinder that created rust once u turn it on hells gonna break loose, pitted cylinders and rings are not a good combination,
I would at least remove the heads for inspection

 

Why don't you try pulling the distributor and running the oil pump with a primer shaft, then try turning it with the starter.

 

I've got a good 400 in the classifieds for $300 if you're interested.

 

Its also a 1977 engine,if you care about numbers

 

I think I know what you are talking about with a primer shaft. Who sells them, or how do I aquire one?
Can Do

 

I'm interested, but I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Out of work for a while, recooperating from a sist in the leg. Plus I'm trying to unload a 4.6L with tranny I aquired recently. Would you be interested in swapping?
Can Do

 

You can get one at Summit or even at your local auto supply. If you have an old junk distributor you can easily make one.

 

Il'l give Summit a shout, tommorow. How long should you run the oil pump for? Should I add anything to the oil?
Can do

 

Just run it until you have full pressure. Rotate the engine a little and run it to pressure again until you have pressurized all around the crank. This might help your situation.

You should also remove all the spark plugs and squirt Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinders, LEAVE THE SPARK PLUGS OUT while you are pressurizing the oil system and turning the crankshaft. DO NOT LEAVE THE SPARK PLUGS IN while you are turning the engine. This can cause liquid lock and damage the engine. DON'T REINSTALL THE PLUGS UNTIL THE CYLINDERS HAVE ALL LIQUID REMOVED.

After you have done all this, make sure you blow the MMO out of ALL cylinders before putting the plugs back in. Actually, before you put the plugs back in but after you've done all this lubricating, turning and oiling, try to turn the engine over with the starter. This will not only free up any corrosion in the cylinders, but it will blow the MMO out to ensure that you don't have liquid lock.

If you can't get the engine to spin well with the starter while the plugs are OUT you have little hope of getting it to spin with the plugs in.

Best of luck and keep us posted.