[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

Since it has mostly sat since 1980, any fluids/grease/oil/coolant is most likely bad. And needs to be serviced/flushed/replaced.


Resist the temptation to hand crank, or try to start it without 1st doing the below.


Make sure the generator, distributor, and water pump are freshly lubed.


With the carb drained/no fuel supply, remove spark plugs, add a small amount of penetrating oil or ATF to each cylinder and hand crank it a few times over a few days.


Drain the oil, If the drain oil is lumpy/syrupy, or really nasty/milkish or rusty looking you should remove the valve access cover and drop the oil pan and clean them out. Remove the distributor, pour about 1/2 quart down the distributor hole (helps prime the main bearings). Then fill oil to full through the breather tube. Hand crank a few times without starting.


Flush/back flush the cooling system, then add an upper hose coolant filter.


Drain all gas out of tank, add fresh fuel.


Once started and running drain/replace; rear end, transmission, and steering box fluids. Do a grease job on the chassis.

I agree with what 30 Closed Cab PU lists except I think I would drain oil, clean pan, etc. BEFORE adding ATF to cylinders and "hand crank it a few times over a few days" just so you ensure you have fresh oil to the bearings. Just my preference.