Posted by Matt B on Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 12:57PM :
Well...thanks to all for the pointers on waking the sleeping beauty! I went through most of the steps...then drained out about 8 gallons of vintage 1983 petrol, along with about a pint of molassas looking stuff....
Cranked the engine till the oil pressure guage moved (very even sounding compression), sucked gas past the fuel pump, turned on the ignition, poured a little gas down the carb, and fired it up. Had to clean out the float valve, but after that, it settled down to a nice, consistant idle hitting on all six....and very little smoke considering how much time it had been resting. Drove it off the trailer under its own power (all 78 certified horses of it)!
Took it for a couple very brief drives down the gravel road and confirmed that it does go, stop (hand brake), and steer. Actually it doesn't drive half bad, and we were even able to bleed the brakes a little and get some pressure. More importantly, none of the bleed valves broke off...yet.
Also confirmed that the winch does work. Took a little prying and lots of WD40, but the engaging mechanism freed up and all seems well there. Of course, we didn't put any pressure on it, but it would wind or un-wind the cable fine. Heater fan, wipers, headlights, amp guage, oil pressure guage all work. Forgot to look at the speedo.
Problems...
Possible minor radiator leak. Could just be the overflow or a bad hose. Wasn't too worried about that. Oil pressure seemed a bit on the low side when warm. About 40 psi cold idle, but dropped to about 5 at warm idle, and moved up only a bit when revved. Might have to do some bearings....we'll see. No knocking...at least not yet.
Also, notices on a very short stint on pavement...VERY bad ball joint on the drivers side. A must fix prior to driving at all.
It was also decided that the truck was probably involved in a light rollover at some point. THat would explain the damage to the roof, possibly the fenders. Also noticed that the drivers door used to be a different color, so it and part of the truck have been re-painted. Nothing though, that can't be straightened out easily.
Of course, there are also usual problems such as exposed wires, broken springs and cables...
Talked to a fellow locally who has some parts that will be helpful (drivetrain and axle stuff), so I should be able to get her on the road in fairly short order. I reckon its about time to get me a service manual too.
Overall, I really couldn't be more happy with how it seems to be working...with the exception of the oil pressure. I expect I should be able to have take her to the cabin in the next couple weeks....
-Matt B
PS...Could someone advise me as to what the hell the "seat control valve" does?
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