Expert: Brad Sears - 1/31/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1939 Plymouth that has ran on and off, but not been driven enough.  I would now like to get it running, but don't know where to start.  I have limited experience working on vehicles, but am confident I can follow directions.  Any ideas on where to start?

ANSWER: Ok, lets get a little background and start at the begriming. When was the last time that you ran it? Did it run well? Did it stall then and refuse to restart or did you shut it off? How old is the battery? How old is the fuel in the tank? Let me know and we will go to step two.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It has not been started in about 7 years.  We turned it off and just never started it again.  The battery, a 6 volt, was new at the time, but I did not take it out of the car after the last time we started it.  I do have a recharger, but haven't hooked it up to see if it will hold a charge.  It requires leaded gasoline (additive) and has pretty much always required a carburetor spray to get started.  It has pretty much all original parts.  Thank you for your quick response.

Answer
Ok, in all probability the battery is junk and the battery cable terminals are probably corroded. So, a new battery is in order and cleaning the battery cable connections is the first step. Next I would change the oil and the oil filter if equipped. Then the carburetor needs attention especially since you state that you needed to spray starting fluid into the engine to start it seven years ago, it sounds like the carburetor had problems then. A good overhaul installing a rebuild kit should do the trick. When putting the carburetor back on I would rig an auxiliary fuel tank to the inlet side of the fuel pump and not pimp that seven year old stale fuel into the fresh carburetor. Then check the ignition points and the spark plugs. While the plugs are out I would pour a tablespoon of engine oil in each cylinder and then spin the engine over while the plugs are still out. This will lubricate the cylinder walls and help build compression. Put the plugs back in or new plugs if the old ones are worn. Check the coolant and top off if needed. With that done it is time to pull the choke out and give it a spin.
Brad