How to Start an Engine After 6 Years

I just bought a truck with a Chrysler 5.2L pushrod TBI (not sure yet if it's interference or not). The seller reports he hadn't started the engine since 2005.

I want to try to start it to see where I stand regarding just needing a tune-up vs full rebuild. I'm planning on using a new battery of course and doing a cold oil change (with cheap petro-based oil since I'll probably need to flush a few times) with filter. Also, I plan on first trying to breaker-bar crank the engine over to make sure it's not completely seized.

Anything else I should check before turning the key? Pull spark plugs? I don't plan on running it long, so no worries about coolant issues, just want to see if it will run or not.

 

[JDraper]

Pull all the plugs, spray some oil in each cylinder and let it soak in for a day. If you can, pull the distributor (if it has one) and spin the oil pump with a drill to get oil flow through the motor before kicking it over. These two things will help prevent any damage due to a dry start up.

 

[BonesDT]

Sounds like good advice, thank you.

 

[kert0307]

Pull all the plugs, spray some oil in each cylinder and let it soak in for a day. If you can, pull the distributor (if it has one) and spin the oil pump with a drill to get oil flow through the motor before kicking it over. These two things will help prevent any damage due to a dry start up.

I just did something similar to that helping a buddy with his dads old boat that had been sitting for at least 3 years. It started right up and ran great even off the old gas still in the tank. I would change the fuel filter AFTER you fill it up with fresh fuel and run it a little also. That new fuel might knock some stuff loose, I would probably Seafoam it to try and "clean" the fuel system as well.