what's the first step? dormant diesel

[kwd509]

Yes. Agreed, just see if it runs and then formulate a larger picture/plan on how to address the whole vehicle.

[kevkon]

Yes. Agreed, just see if it runs and then formulate a larger picture/plan on how to address the whole vehicle.

Personally, I would start with the big picture and if that includes retaining the present engine I wouldn't "see if it runs" before I knew as much as possible about the condition of it's internals and gave it as much of a chance to survive an initial start without irreparable damage as possible. On the other hand, if you are going to swap engines or rebuild the present one, go for it!

[kwd509]

I see you posted earlier with recommendation that the valve cover and oil pan be pulled to view the internals.......Fair enough and not
that much work, but that implies that the person viewing the internals (me) can make head or tails of what there is to see.......

Since I;m in no hurry I guess I can afford to do this, of course that presumes I can make use of, and understand what I find.

[kevkon]

What's probably more important is what you don't find after 30 yrs !
Clean out the pan, look up into the cylinders to see if they are clean and without rust. Check that the oil pump screen is clear and not blocked with congealed oil and wax.
When you take off the rocker cover look to see that everything is still coated with oil. Lubricate as much as you can with the covers off, then turn over the engine manually to see if it is free and check that all of the valves are opening and closing. If all is good, button it up, change the filter and top off with oil. Then go for the starting routine.

[Les Parker]

Good to see you today, thanks for calling in.
Keep us updated to any news and hope the trip to TN and back is uneventful.
Take lots of pic.s, please
Great photo of you on the LHF wing !!

All the best

[bpj911]

OIL BURNER

When I say oil burner, I mean diesel. Tend to not stick like a gasser. It may also burn it's own engine oil but I meant diesel.

[kwd509]

to BPJ911, Les and Kevkon (and others), thanks for the generous advice and help. All that's left to do is get the truck. Should have an update soon after labor day.