QuestionHi, i have a 66 mustang with a v6 that has been put up for 18 years and was running when we put it up.i was wondering what i should do to get it running again and the gas was not drained before we put it in.
AnswerHello Al,
The first thing you must do is see if you have an original engine there. V6's in Mustangs didn't come along until the Mustang II in 1975. You should have what's called an inline 6 of either 170 or 200 cid if the car is still original. My instructions apply to an original car because the V6 would have required modifications to be installed which I'm obviously not aware of. I'm also assuming that you have a good battery with clean terminals to spin this engine over plus you're checked the radiator and added coolant as necessary.
First step: Drain and clean the entire fuel system. It's likely that the old gas has evaporated and turned into a "gum" like substance. Starting with the fuel tank, either siphon the old fuel or drop the tank to clean it. If you do the later, consider replacing the fuel sender and "sock" inside the tank as they're usually bad too. Clean out all fuel lines from the tank to the carburetor--this will likely involve a solvent and compressed air to do.
An alternative to this step if you're just trying to see if the car runs is to disconnect the fuel line at the pump, attach a rubber fuel line hose to the pump and run the hose to a small container of gas. This will help you at least start before doing the rest of the cleaning.
In both alternatives, you will need to clean and rebuild to carburetor with a kit you can find at most any auto parts stores.
Second, remove all the spark plugs, paying attention to where the corresponding ignition cables go. Pour a tablespoon full of Marvel Mystery Oil (available at walmart or any auto parts store) into each cylinder and let it soak overnight. In the morning, and before you put the plugs back in, go to the front of the engine, press down on the fan belt and pulling on the fan, try to turn the engine over,doesn't matter which way. If it turns, Great! and proceed to next step. If not, the engine has rusted in place internally and may or may not be able to be freed. To try to free a stuck engine is another procedure entirely which I won't be able to cover today.
With your free engine, reinstall the spark plugs (recommend new Autolite brand as these were what the car as originally equipped remembering to gap them!) Reinstall the wires, change oil and filter and you're ready to start.
Third, get a small spray container that you can fill with a couple ounces of gas. Spray a little gas down the throat of the carburetor (Removing the air cleaner, of course), make sure the manual or automatic choke is fully closing the top "butterfly" valve and you're ready to start after one more precaution: have a fire extinguisher available. An engine that hasn't been run in a while, motivated by raw gas is possible to backfire. Doesn't happen often but a small fire could result--better be safe than sorry!
Fourth, have an assistant turn on the ignition while you're checking engine adjustments, etc. If the Gods shine on you, you'll soon her the engine run for a few beats on the priming fuel you sprayed in. A few beats after this, the engine should start running on it's own! Don't worry if you see the car blowing black, white, blue or dirty smoke from the tail pipe, this will go away as the engine burns off 18 years of contaminants!
Again, the preceding is the minimum you can do to get an old car started. If it still doesn't start, you need to put your detectives hat on and trace back through both the fuel and electrical systems to find the gremlins blocking it to start. Remember to keep your options open, start with simple things first and don't be surprised that there may be multiple reasons why the car won't start. Again, troubleshooting is an entire procedure which I cannot cover here.
Just try to patient and methodical. It is not unheard of that a car sitting this long starts up without missing a beat!
Good Luck,
Bob
