engine sitting for 8 yrs .

[goochy]

Buying a complete 1987 K5 from buddy for $1300 . It was full rebuild 1000 miles ago , but then he parked it for 8 years !!! YES 8 years . I know the builder , it was done right , 60 over , 10 1/2 compression , cam , headers . Nice motor !! 400 plus hp The K 5 looks good , straight body , every thing is there . Baby bald tires on nice rims , K5 has 6 in lift with 3 in body . ITS BIG !! I just want tailgate and motor . Should I be afraid of engine sitting for 8 yrs ? He did drain the gas out of tank , then parked it . I am thinking pouring tranny fluid down plug holes , and mix some in gas . What do ya think ? I am going to put my 305 engine and my tailgate on it then sell it !!!!

[Kurt L]

i would see if the engine turns over first. then if does then put some marvel mystery oil in the cylinders and let sit.if not then just let it sit with oil in it,then a little at a time try to move it. if it doesn't turn or try to turn then pull it and rebuild it.i'm sure there will be other that will chime in.

[kwin]

I picked up 3 suburbans for 300.00 last summer all were reasonable shape, all had sat for at least six years. None would run.
Little old lady swore they were driven up until the day her husband passed away.
Turns out that the little rubber hose in the fuel tank ( its about 2 inches ) long had turned to jelly.
Replaced the hose on the 89 and it fired right up.
Didn't try the other two , I was parting them out, but when I pulled the tank from the 90 it was the same, sticky jelly .

Just something to keep in mind if you can't get it to fire.

Good luck.

Keith

[krazy_texan]

my ford sat for 10 years under similar conditions i put a new fuel pump on it and fired it right up just make sure its free then change all your fluids maybe check your plugs and such but other than that you should be fine

[gchemist]

I've seen engines sit 25 years and start up. Check the fluids. A little oil down the cylinders is good. Borrow an oil priming tool. Using a 1/2" drill, oil it up before starting up. Just make sure to mark the distributor location. Drop it in in the exact same position. Pour a little fuel down the carb. It will help start it. Have a full battery charge. If it turns over, it will start if everything works.

[goochy]

thanks for info !!! I get it this weekend !!

[goochy]

Got it RUNNING !!!!! Not getting fuel , so only runs off pouring gas down carb . Thumps HARD !! Sweet motor if I can get it ironed out !

[goochy]

Got the engine running !! ITS SWEET !!! Now to get it out and clean it up , then drop it in my 74 K5 .

[goochy]

Is a 305s comp cam to much for a weekend toy , daily driver , tow rig ? One guy is saying sell ME the truck and engine , the 350 with that much cam is NOT for you , and my buddy is saying , KEEP it , buy a stall converter and have a great thumping engine !!
Should I just sell and buy different engine ?
Keep it and buy a stall ?
or change the cam to small cam ? and keep it
New to engine stuff , so not sure who to trust
thanks for any info !!!

[68Timber]

You can daily drive anything as long it doesn't get tiresome to you. I wouldn't sell it before I tried it. But the towing part probably won't work. What is it you're going to tow?

[goochy]

5500 lbs ski boat , about 3 miles at 55 mph

[68Timber]

5500 lbs is way too much for a hot motor like that. I wouldn't do it. Why not change the cam to something like a 268H?

[goochy]

Thinking about changing cam ? Or might just try it ?

[goochy]

[goochy]

we THINK its a 305s comp cam , not sure ?

[K5owner]

Actually sounds more like a 280H or the 292 then the 305.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1u0ZwcVyhV0

[goochy]

My buddy said no way it's a 305 cam ?

[K5owner]

Only wa y to know for sure is to pull it and spec it. Either way its a great lightweight street cam with lots of lope BUT it isn't a good cam for a 4wd or for these heavy trucks. Even if it was or is a 280 magnum it is not ideal for our trucks. Power range isn't down low. More of a midrange upper end cam.

[goochy]

Not sure what to do..... only pulling boat around 2 miles to boat ramp , then it will be just a toy to play around in . We only pull the boat at max speed of 50 mph because we leave the top down . BUT I do love the sound !