So I have a 1982 F150 that I use to drive regularly. However, since I purchsed my 95', it has been sitting for 6 years. I'm interested in getting it going again but I'm sure the idle time is going to be a problem. What are the chances of getting this engine working again? It had no problems when I stopped driving but from what I know, sitting in park for a long time is bad. What would I have to do to get this in operating condition? Perhaps it's a waste of time/energy and I should just get rid of it?

 

It depends on what you did for it before you parked it... If you changed all the fluids and put some oil in the upper cylinders (via open spark plug holes) and lubed and changed all the other fluids, it's okay to fire up..
Now, hopefully you stored it with some either an empty fuel tank or a full one with stabl in it so the fuel hasn't gone bad?
Also, first thing to do is check all hoses and wireing for dry rot/cracking, etc. Also, if you've had it in storage where mice could get to it, check it out real good 'cause those little vermin really like autos for taking up playing house!!
Hopefully it's okay and you can get it running good again....even if the engine wasn't prepped for storage, you can take the heads off, clean 'em up and still be good to go with not much effort...
Good luck!

 

I would check the condition of the fluids in the various drive train parts. Make sure it looks/smells/feels like it should. Next remove the plugs and spray some penetrating oil inside the plug hole. Let this sit over night. Next change the oil, replace the battery and drain the fuel tank. Check the rubber fuel lines for cracks and other problems. Replace the fuel filter and refill with new gas. Cross your fingers and give it a crank. You'll have to turn it over till the carb fills with gas then hit the gas pedal and she should fire up.

Get this done quick. It's going to be real cold soon..

 

That covers the go parts but don't forget about the stopping parts if you re gonna drive it. By this time it is likely that the pistons in the brake calipers are frozen up (heck they would sometimes do that while driving daily). Also I would imaging the ebrake is rusted up too. All of that may need to be checked before it is a sound daily driver again. But do yourself a favor and definitely drain the gas tank and maybe flush it out. You also may have to do a little cleaning in the carb if it is varnished up from the gas evaporating in it. It's hard to get one going again if it wasn't ready for storage.

hope that helps

 

Saw an episode of Trucks! and Tracy started an old Dodge Army type of truck that had been sitting in the weeds for a long, long time.

I think the first thing he did was confirm that the crank still turned. So, he pulled the plugs and squited some penetrating oil into the cylinders to free up the rings and then turned the crank. Once you can turn the crank, you can continue. If it won't turn, you're done....

He changed all the fluids, replaced all the hoses, had to rebuild the carb, new plugs, wires, cap and all the other electric stuff including a new battery of course. I do believe the stock starter still worked too. He drained the gas tank and put in fresh gas too. Not sure if he needed to do anything with the fuel pump....

Bottom line is, as long as the crank spins, you should be able to fire it up! How much you have to replace to get it to fire, just depends on what still works!

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Oh yeah, I remember that episode of trucks!. Isn't it weird how he always uses "premium performance" items for what ever he's doing? I think it is fishy that the starter and the electrical wiring to the starter was still in good shape. Another thing, he said he pulled the truck straight out of a field, and brought it into the shop. I think he cleaned it and threw some loose grass under it to make it look like he did. Oh well, Stacy David has millions of dollars, and I dont so it sucks to be me!