Marvel Mystery Oil in cylinders 1939 Cadillac Series 61?

[dennisspeaks]

Tomorrow is the big day I am going to put on my PI hat for the 39 Series 61 Caddy.  It's been sitting in a barn since 1990.  Typically on all cars that have been sitting I remove the spark plugs to put the mystery oil in, however I am told you can't do it that way with these flatheads.

Looking for some insight on what will be involved to do this and suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

Merry Christmas

[James Landi]

Happy Holidays Dennis--

Not certain why Marvel Oil won't help a decade's old slumbering engine, especially a flathead.  Flooding the cylinders with Marvel oil would provide stuck piston rings and rusted valves stems stuck in the block with lubricant, as well as provide the cam with lube. Main thing to remember, don't attempt to use the starter until you're able to rotate the engine by hand ''Armstrong'' approach...    There are several You-Tube video personalities that feature ''waking up'' such engines... the better of them are both entertaining and informative...Vice Grip Garage videos is one such offering. Also, search You Tube for guys working on long slumbering flatheads... it's highly educational.  Keep us posted Dennis... channeling success and happiness in your direction.   James 

[z3skybolt]

James,


That is exactly how I "woke up" my  1937 Buick straight 8 engine that had not run in over 30 years.  Took a few days and gentle pressure being applied before it finally freed up.

Bob R.

[TJ Hopland]

I think one thing that gets people with flatheads is the spark plug tends to be more over the valves than the piston so when people squirt oil in it ends up staying in the valve area if the valves are closed or in a manifold if they are open.  I think V engines tend to have the valves at the top so this isn't as much of an issue in this case but could be a reason 'they' say its not the same since 'they' more likely have an inline engine that the head is horizontal on. 

[dennisspeaks]

Happy Holidays James,

The big question of course is how to do it.  Yes I have watched a few of the videos on waking up cars, just none on flatheads. I believe I have found someone local that has one and works on his

Thanks for your well wishes, may all of your days be blessed.  Happy Holidays.

Happy Holidays Dennis--

Not certain why Marvel Oil won't help a decade's old slumbering engine, especially a flathead.  Flooding the cylinders with Marvel oil would provide stuck piston rings and rusted valves stems stuck in the block with lubricant, as well as provide the cam with lube. Main thing to remember, don't attempt to use the starter until you're able to rotate the engine by hand ''Armstrong'' approach...    There are several You-Tube video personalities that feature ''waking up'' such engines... the better of them are both entertaining and informative...Vice Grip Garage videos is one such offering. Also, search You Tube for guys working on long slumbering flatheads... it's highly educational.  Keep us posted Dennis... channeling success and happiness in your direction.   James 

[dennisspeaks]

TJ, hopefully the local guy that has a flathead another friend was telling me about will be will be willing to give me a hand or at least some guidance.  I will follow up with my friend after the holidays and take it from there.

Thanks for your input.

Happy HolidayA

I think one thing that gets people with flatheads is the spark plug tends to be more over the valves than the piston so when people squirt oil in it ends up staying in the valve area if the valves are closed or in a manifold if they are open.  I think V engines tend to have the valves at the top so this isn't as much of an issue in this case but could be a reason 'they' say its not the same since 'they' more likely have an inline engine that the head is horizontal on.