I think that there has been some discussion on this before, but I'll post this
anyway to save a search through the archives.
1) Squirt a bunch of light oil (like Marvel Mystery Oil or equivalent) down
each spark plug hole and let it set for a day or two. This will help loosen up
possibly stuck rings and lube the rings/pistons. Some of it will also drip down
onto the crankshaft and get into the bearings.
2) If you REALLY don't want to take ANY chances on dry startup damage: Drain
the oil, buy a few gallons of CHEAP motor oil and fill the crankcase up to the
top of the cam (about the bottom of the valve lifter cover plates on the side
of the engine). Let it set for a few hours to allow the oil to soak into all of
the bearings and coat the cam, then drain it. Keep this oil for the next time
you want to start a dry engine.
2a) An alternate for step two is to pre-lube the engine with a pump. This
requires removal of an oil gallery plug, hooking up the pump output hose to the
gallery, and pumping oil into the bearings. However, I don't think that this is
quite as effective as the method in step 2, since it doesn't coat the cam with
oil.
3) Refill with high-quality motor oil to the normal level, then add an extra
quart (for the filter). This could lead to another discussion on "What is the
best motor oil?" I think you'll find plenty of opinions in the archives. I
personally like to use synthetic oil, as long as the inside of the engine is
quite clean.
4) Install a new filter.
5) Start engine.
6) Have fun.
Alan
PS: Also drain out (carefully) any old gasoline from the tank, fuel filter(s),
and carb bowl (there's a drain plug at the bottom of the carb bowl). You might
want to flush things with a small amount of fuel before refilling with fresh
fuel. There is a very good chance that the fuel system will have some sediment,
hardened or cracked rubber parts, or other problems, so be prepared for that.
Mike and Cheryl wrote:
> Hello List
> Ok I bought the 1952 M-37 from the small central Iowa Fire Dept. $750.
> The truck has been parked in a shed for last 3 years and not started.
> The truck was running when parked.
>
> Would like your opinion on what should be done before starting. My plan
> was to change oil, oilfilter(napa 1100?), and uncouple gas line to carb
> and put in a temporary fuel filter in line and try to start. Would then
> change fuel filters (existing in system) sometime soon.
>
> The engine and systems are all 24volt and don't appear to retrofitted with
> civilian stuff. Can anyone also give me some filter cross references. Sorry
> if this has been posted before I am still working on reading archives but
> my eyes are starting to hurt.
>
> Oh in case you have questions on the quality of this low dollar truck,
> there is
> no winch, no top(but hardware for canvas top there), all military lights,
> no rust visible, all the glass good, seats are trash. but overall in very
> good condition. Fire truck red. If there isn't major engine problems. My
> first Military vehicle and my wife already says she will sell it cheap.
>
> mleaton@netins.net
>
> ===
> To unsubscribe from the mil-veh mailing list, send the single word
> UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of a message to <mil-veh-request@skylee.com>.
===
To unsubscribe from the mil-veh mailing list, send the single word
UNSUBSCRIBE in the body of a message to <mil-veh-request@skylee.com>.