I pick up a 63 C10 with the 3.8L 230, that hasnt ran in 8 yrs. I pulled the plugs and bumped it over to see if it was siezed and it seemed good. The engine cranked like a champ. Once i put the plugs back in... it struggled to get 2 revolutions.. and then stalled on me. its got a brand new starter and im gas feeding it from a bottle. I need some help, thanks
A bad cable connection could do it ,I would clean all the connections including the ground , good luck
Make sure your battery is charged and your connections are good clean and tight. A new starter doesn't always mean it's a good one..... Big Tim
I pulled the wires off of the starter and jumped it directly. It seems like the exhaust valves arent opening..cause after every plug I put in, it turns over slower and slower. Eventually after every plug is in.. it struggles bad and draws a crap load of amps to turn it over. I pulled the valve cover off and all of the rockers were loose as hell and gummed up.. I wonder if the adjustment is off. Does anyone know where I could get the adjustment specs and procedures for the 3.8l 230cid inline 6? Thanks again.
The valves are probably hydraulic. What you can do is roll the engine over until the#1 exhaust is open all the way then adjust the intake valve to zero plus 1/2-3/4 of a turn tight. Then roll the engine over until the intake valve is all the way open and adjust the exhaust the same way. Do this on all the valves and it should be close enough to start. After you get it running and the lifters are pumped up you can adjust them while it is running. Just back each one off until it starts to clatter then tighten it until it quiets plus 1/2-3/4 of a turn. If they are solid lift then you will have to get the specs. from some where. I hope this helps .....Big Tim
Maybe some one pulled the old potato in the tail pipe trick? I have heard of critters plugging up a exhaust system to the point it creates back pressure and wont let the engine turn over . Kilroy was here!!!!
Hey guys, put a hot battery in there.. and she cranks lilke a champ. The resistance through the jumper cables was WAY too much. stupid me. anyways....got it running but, the fuel pump needs replacing and the carb rebuilt. I have to add a little fuel to the carb for starting sometimes.. but its getting worked out. Thanks folks.
