Re: 359 Straight Eight Engine

Posted by Fred Puhn On 2010/12/22 16:20:26

Gary,
When you get the car check the oil level. If it is way over full you must drain some out before testing the engine. If the oil is thick and black you should change it. When the oil is verified then remove all the spark plugs. Mark the wires so you can put it back together easily. With an oil can squirt some light oil or automatic transmission fluid into each cylinder so the piston rings will be lubricated. First turn the engine with a spanner and try to turn it more than two complete revolutions. That will verify that the pistons move. If the pistons are stuck you can try pouring in a lot of penetrating oil, wait a day and try it again. You can verify the valves are not stuck by putting a thumb over each spark plug hole and see if you feel pressure in each cylinder as you rotate the crankshaft 2 turns.

Once you know the engine turns and has some compression you can spin it with the starter. Pull off the coil wire so you don't get sparks. Spin the engine with the spark plugs out long enough so you get oil pressure indicated on the gage. That will verify there is oil getting into the bearings. After all that you can put the plugs back in, hook up the coil wire and plug wires, and try to start it.

Most cars that have been sitting will have trouble delivering gasoline to the engine. The old gas will evaporate and may leave enough residue to plug up things. To start the engine I usually pull the air cleaner off the carburetor and pour in a few ounces of fresh gasoline. Then put the air filter back on so you won't start a fire. The gasoline will be sucked into the cylinders and will at least try to start the engine.

If it will not fire check for a spark. You can pull a spark plug wire and attach it to a spare spark plug. Lay the spark plug on the engine where heavy metal body of the plug is touching bare metal such as a head bolt. Crank the engine and see if there is a spark. If not you need to fix the ignition. Don't expect it to run if the ignition points are corroded. I have done a quick fix on the points by using a thin file or emery paper to clean off the corrosion. There may be other problems too.

Once you know the engine will turn and will fire you can then tune it up so it will run good. That is another story.
Good luck.