Engine That Sat for 5 Years
Short answer: Prime it before the first start. Procedure:
- Remove all the spark plugs.
- Squirt 2–3 shots of HD 30 oil into each cylinder (an oil can with tubing works).
- With the plugs out, crank in short bursts (no more than a minute, 5 minutes between to cool the starter) and watch for oil pressure on the gauge — or pull a valve cover and confirm oil flows from the rockers.
- Once oil is flowing, reinstall the plugs and wires. With a correctly installed distributor and good points, it should fire and run.
- Listen for lifter clatter to quiet as it warms and the lifters pump up, then do the final timing and dwell.
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: June 13, 2026 at 10:06 am
← Frequently Asked Questions
