Hey guys I'm in the process of confiscating a 1962 olds 98 with a 394 rocket from my father. It was his when he was in high school, and I was interested in rebuilding it. The one catch is that it has been sitting for oh about 15 years. The good news is that it appears to be sound with the exception of surface rust. My question is..... what is the best way to start it up after it has been sitting for so long? My current plan is to replace all the fluids of course, clean the fuel tank of any debris and, replace the battery. What other suggestions do you guys to ease the process.

 

If it was mine, I would also change the oil, oil filter, remove the distributor and spin the oil pump rod with a drill and 1/4 inch extension ( 5/16 socket I believe) to get the engine lubricated and verify if you have oil pressure. Taking the spark plugs out and squirting oil down the cylinders wont hurt either...just alot of smoke out of the tailpipe

 

Make sure you can turn the engine over by hand first. It might save you from some major headaches.

 

Welcome to the site CHARLOTTE the two pervious answers are the way to go. Also change the spark plugs, points, and distributor cap. Replace the fuel filter. Good luck

 

All good advice here from some very good veterans of Oldsmobiles. When you put the drill on the oil pump to turn it, be sure you turn it counter clockwise. Putting the oil in the cylinders is the way to go. I would probably use something like Marvel Mystery Oil and let them soak a day or two. Be sure and turn the engine over several time to be sure you don't have a stuck valve. If it stops, don't force it very much. You might have to pull the valve covers to see if the valve are moving if it won;t turn. ONe note of caution, make sure the distributor is in when you turn the engine so you don't have to screw with the timing. Mark where the rotor is pointing on the distributor and mark the distributor to the engine before you pull it out. There is also a good chance you will have to drop the gas tank and have it flushed and sealed. Be sure and blow the line from the tank to the fuel pump out and be sure it is not rusted. Good luck.

 

Thanks guys. As soon as I talk him out of it I will post some before pics. Its going to be awhile before we get to the after pics though, but thats half the fun.

 

Charlotte, welcome to our site and get that thing running, we wanna see some pictures too.

 

HERE ARE A FEW PICTURES I TOOK WHEN WE DRUG THE OLD GIRL OUT OF HER RESTING PLACE OF 20 + YRS. SHE was LAST TAGGED IN 82.

 

I THINK MY PICS ARE TOO BIG, HOW DO I SHRINK THEM TO 92KB SO YOU GUYS CAN SEE THEM

 

As with all great projects, this one should also start with winding the clock...

 

I just use the stretch skew option in Microsoft photo editor. There is probably a better way, but it works. Welcome to the site. That is one heck of a nice project by the way. I am looking forward to seeing that one come to life

 

The best and most interesting are the ones brought back from the dead. Good luck with the build. We look foward to more pictures

 

Well guys......As the title says, my plans changed. What started as a simple get her running, turned in to a complete resto. I ended up having a stuck piston that I damaged getting out. Damage meant a bore of +.04 and I decided to replace all the pistons. Here we are two years later, and I almost have the motor back together. My self diagnosed ADD wont let me stay focused on just one thing at a time, so I have pulled the interior completely, removed the body from the frame, removed the surface rust from the sides, and primed the cleaned up sides. Had a baby girl a year ago, so progress has been rather slow going. Newly acquired free time has reignighted my interest, and I am getting back to work on her again. I will try to post a link to the latest pictures in a week or two. The sight has been great for parts and advice thus far. I look forward to getting her done, and keeping you guys posted on my progress.

 

Seems eerily to apply to this thread.

Spooky.

- Eric

 

If you can wait a while longer, your daughter can help!!!

 

Well I'm glad your still at it. Post some pic's of your progress.

 

I'm gonna have to see this.

 

Moved this build to the major projects page with some photo updates. Finally running after 35 years, and man she sounds good. Bought a pertronix, but currently running off a set of points. Two kids in, and both helped on her last weekend. See you guys in another 10 yrs when I finally get the body back on.

 

The points will easily last for the next ten years.