Turning over 48 flathead

[Bill Kaufman CLC# 15225]

Just bought a 48 fastback that has been sitting for 30 years. It has the original 346 L head V8. I have removed the plugs and applied a few squirts of Marvel Mystery oil to each cylinder and let it sit for 48 hours. I am now ready to turn over the engine. I want to use the starter if possible without starting the car. I would like to bypass the ignition and just bump the starter from under the hood.   How would you suggest that I do that .  It is a 6 volt system.    Thanks !

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I would remove the spark plugs so there is no strain on the Starter/battery because of the compression that would otherwise be generated.

Plus, remove the coil to distributor wire from the coil so as not to have plug leads energised to shock you if your hand gets close, but that won't happen as you will be inside the car, operating the switch.

Bruce.

[harry s]

I would remove the trans inspection cover and try and move the engine a little by prying the flywheel. There is also the possibility of valves being stuck . If you could do at least one revolution it would be good. Good Luck.    Harry

[Bobby B]

You could use a regular 12V battery for a little "Extra" Kick if you're going directly to the starter. Might help in your situation of sitting all those years. Good Luck!
         Bobby
                                         

[Bill Kaufman CLC# 15225]

Success !!!    Thanks for the advice.   After letting the oil soak into the piston rings for a couple of days I hooked up the 12V battery directly to the starter and used a remote starter from under the hood. I bumped it and the fan turned. Added a bit more oil to the cylinders and bumped it again. did this several times until the motor turns over and spins with ease !!  Going to rebuild the carb , install new plugs,points,cond and see what happens...  Its looking good so far.  Don't you just love the first few days of a new project .

[James Landi]

Bill...   are there "signs" of compression for all of the cylinders?   Getting the engine to "crank" is certainly an important mile post, but what about the 16 valves?   With engines that have been dormant for decades, valve guides often rust valve stems in place, and when these engines are forced to rotate, the stuck valves will cause the push rods to bend.  Try running a compression test on each cylinder, and if you can achieve a minimum of compression on your cold and dormant engine of even 60 pounds per cylinders, you lots to celebrate.  James

[Bobby B]

Bill...   are there "signs" of compression for all of the cylinders?   Getting the engine to "crank" is certainly an important mile post, but what about the 16 valves?   With engines that have been dormant for decades, valve guides often rust valve stems in place, and when these engines are forced to rotate, the stuck valves will cause the push rods to bend.  Try running a compression test on each cylinder, and if you can achieve a minimum of compression on your cold and dormant engine of even 60 pounds per cylinders, you lots to celebrate.  James

Also look out for broken piston rings. Another factor to consider regarding an engine that has been "freed "up. I've had this on numerous engines that have sat for years without being oiled occasionally and turned over. It'll run, but won't last long without a teardown and rebuild. Sometimes you get lucky, and sometimes you don't.
                                 Bobby