Advice Needed

[rickseeman]

You know the cylinders are going to be rusty. And a lot of other things. I understand why you don't want to tear it down, Pandora's box kind of deal. After you get the fuel pressure right, if it will spark it will probably run. I would probably change the oil filter again after 30 minutes.

[Sean Marconette]

You should pull the distributor and prelube everything, and build oil pressure. Pull the valve covers and verify that you have oil coming up to the rocker arms. Rotate the engine by hand a couple of revolutions and prelube again. That will help from dry running the engine prior to seeing if it will start.

Is there water in the radiator? Has the car been exposed to freezing temperatures?

Good luck
Sean

[jmcarter]

Good advice here...after running it to full operating temp I'd definitely do a leak down. After sitting 8 years you'll be lucky to get off without tearing it down. If the leakage isn't too bad it may not be able to RPM due to weakened springs. Like Bobby, I'd be curious where you're located, you probably have a racer close by to offer some guidance.

[MattC]

Thanks for all the advice. I got a fuel pressure gauge today and will start there. I am dreading a tear down if necessary. I am in Coeur d'Alene Idaho. I'll keep posted what I find.

[MattC]

Tested fuel pressure and it was 10lbs. I ordered a rebuild kit for the regulator. We will see if she fires in a few days. I am hoping that there isn't too much damage from sitting since it was in my garage that doesn't get below 45 degrees.

[jmarkaudio]

As long as it's been sitting you need to put a kit in the carb, and replace any nitrophyl floats in it.

[MattC]

That might be the case too. I replaced the fuel pressure regulator with a new 12-803 Holley and I still have 14PSI of fuel pressure when I cap off the out port. Could the fuel pump have a problem? It is blue Holley stamped H-6194-2.