First time starting 351W in 7 years. What should I do first?

[chirolaker]

Hello all! This is my first post. I just trailered my dad's '77 home this weekend. It's been sitting in my parent's backyard for 7 years. It was running when it was parked. I'm sure there is more to starting an idle bronco than just filling it up with gas and putting a new battery in. Are there any tricks or important first steps I should take before trying to crank it? Any help would be much appreciated as I'm going to be learning as I go!

 

[broncnaz]

Welcome
I would pull the spark plugs and put some marvel mystery oil in each cylinder and let it set a few days. might even put some in the crank case so it goes through the system when you start it up it helps loosen up any rusted or gummed up parts. While you attend to its other needs. many people will suggest pulling the distributor and priming the oil system its a good idea but its up to you. I've rarely done this on any old engine and have yet to have any issues. but its good insurance to do it. otherwise just check the fluids and crank it up see how it runs get it good and warm then change the fluids.

 

[chirolaker]

Thanks for the tips! I appreciate the help.

 

[half cab]

I would for sure flush out any old fuel in the tanks and lines...This modern fuel we've had to buy in the last 10yrs is killer sitting up in an Auto for a spell.Fuel pump might be bad as well??it's kinda iffy with them...I would also change the fuel filter/s after flush...Good luck with it and keep us posted.

 

[75junebug]

After sitting for 7 years, most likely you will have issues as stated above as well as: dry rotted fuel lines, brake lines and vacume lines. The diaphram in the factory fuel pump will likely be weak or even cracked, which can lead to fuel going into the crank case. I would start with a carb tear down, clean and rebuild,inspection of all wiring(rats and mice can wreak havok).I would remove the old plugs, add the marvel oil, and let it sit,Change the oil and filter, then with a fresh battery, try to turn the motor over with out the plugs. This will be messy due to the oil. Install new plugs. I personally would use a boat gas can run to the fuel pump when trying to get it running the first time. Then move to the cooling side...ie antifreeze/water.... Keep in mind, after 7 years a lot of things are prolly not in the best of shape. Intake gaskets, water pump seals and bearings, oil pan gaskets, valve cover gaskets, valve seals etc.....
Welcome to the world of early broncos. As they say, you never "finish a bronco" You only evolve one.

 

[KyleQ]

If you really care about the motor, pull the distributor out and put in a priming rod and spin it up with a drill for some time. That will push oil throughout the entire system, preventing a dry start-up, possibly chewing up some bearings.

I would add a bunch of fresh fuel, some seafoam and clean out the carb.

 

[73azbronco]

I'd just pull the coil wire and turn the motor over till you had pressure on the oil guage. Use a new cheap filter then run motor for a few minutes till everything is hot, let it cool and see what leaks, try it again and drive a few miles, repeat till your driving many miles. Old rubber and gaskets can come back to life as long as you don't hit them with full power and heat right out of 7 years of sleeping.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I pulled an old international out of the parking spot in the desert. Sat there 8+ years since the owner died. Brakes no longer held pressure, but dropping it in gear and letting the clutch out showed the engine was still free.
New fuel line run from a gas can, new battery, a little more water in the radiator. Started up and then looked for what else was wrong. Carb was shot (booster melted in half and leaking badly). Voltage regulator was dead. few other odds and ends. Ran it that was for 6+ years as a farm truck before it was converted into a derby truck.

I frequently take new engines (less then 1,000 miles) that have been parked for a year, sometimes even longer, put a set of jumper cables on it and start it up. Bad fuel and all. Amazing EFI will run fairly well on horrid gas.

Major warning! Bad gas kills engines. I have seen it several times. old varnished gas in the tank, try and burn it through the engine. It stiks valves, which will smash pistons, which will destroy an engine. Do not try and use old stinky gas. Don't try to thin it out with good gas. Just get rid of it. It is sad to see a good engine die due to bad gas.

 

[chirolaker]

Thanks Broncobowsher. I was wondering about the old gas. Everyone has been awesome with their replies. I'll be picking up some Marvel oil on the way home from work.

 

[gnpenning]

Welcome aboard. You have some great ideas already. Hope to see yours on the road soon.

 

[robinsoncc]

Flush the coolant.