Folks,
I need advice. 11 years ago my 396 was treated to a top quality rebuild. I did a proper firing and ran the motor to about 500 miles for a breakin (normally accepted procedures followed).Shortly thereafter I put my 1969SS into longterm storage;I have been lubing each cylinder with wd-40 and hand cranking the motor ever since on a consistent basis. I am about to finish final paint and trim assembly (after doing a body off restification)and don't want to yank the motor again after the final body/interior assembly.QUESTION: Will the motor survive a proper re-fire after lying dead for 11 years ?? I was thinking of redoing all major gaskets and valve stem seals...do I need to do this...I am not sure.Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Much. Shawn in California

FIRE IT!! And see what happens. It's either good or it ain't.

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Harley
69 461 El Camino Nitrous Model, 69 Chevelle coupe
70 El Camino,71 SS Camaro
79 Corvette
Kerrville,Tx.

Remove the distributor and using a pre-oiler and drill spin the drill until you get oil pressure on your gauge. Re - install the distributor and then fire it up.

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Tino #28 Gold

Blurat, the 396 in my recently purchased 67SS was built in 1986 and basically sat for all those years, although it was occasionally fired. The only problem I found was the carb, some varnishing. All gaskets were tight. So the only area I would truly worry about is the fuel system, and if it's been dry that's good. Like any other LT storage problem, rubber stuff is the first to go. Check your fuel system, crank to get oil pressure ( or prelube whatever ) and fire it up!

BTW, with 11 years worth of WD40 in your pan, I'd change the oil very soon after it's up and running. ( Like 100 miles or less). IMO anyway.

[This message has been edited by Gene Chas (edited 12-08-99).]

BLURAT

TINO gave some VERY good advice. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

If you do not have a pre-oil tool you can make one with an old distributor. Take all the components off the top. Then grind the cam gear teeth off the bottom shaft. You can then install it like a regular distributor and attach a 1/2" drill to it and pre-oil with it. (3-5 minutes should do it). http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

I am with Gene Chas on the WD thing. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif I would change oil and filter before the Pre-lube and firing. (by the way . . . never use WD for that again. It tends to attract moisture. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/frown.gif )

I used a home-made pre-oiling tool for a small block that sat undisturbed for 10 years
and it fired and ran fine (believe it or not i even used the existing fuel in the tank!!!) http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

then do as Harley said and "fire it".
Good Luck http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

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Mr. D
72 454 El Camino
68 RS/SS Camaro
73 RS/LT/Z28 Camaro
99 Firebird TA WS-6 A4