My barnfind...

[the big d]

I haven't taken possession of it yet, but I will very likely get it. It is a 1978 Ford F250 Ranger 4x4 with 39765 original miles. It has been in a barn for the last 12-13 years and it hasn't been touched since. I am fairly certain it is a 460 engine It was large, but it could be a 400... Where should I start with the thing? Oil in the cylinders?

[94_c/1500]

Good chance it has a 351M, 400M, 390, or 460.

Pull the plugs first. Spray oil in the cylinders. I would let it sit for atleast a day and then try to turn it over by hand. I would drain the oil and take the old filter off. And then run a couple of quarts through it. Then get a new oil filter (not fram) and new oil. But use one quart less then what it calls for and replace it with a quart of transmission fluid. Change the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. There is a good chance the carb needs rebuilt after sitting for so long. Make sure you change the transmission fluid. To get the truck running, I would just use a gas can and run a hose to it from the pump. Once you get it running, drain the gas tank, get it sealed, and replace the fuel lines. Before you try and drive the truck bleed the brakes and change the fluids in the drivetrain. Once you get it running and driving, put some miles on it and change the oil. Make sure you get a zinc additive if you use SM oil.

[the big d]

I have a few cases of M1 10w40 motorcycle oil, it has the zinc in it. I don't know what was done to it before it was stored, but the man was a mechanic, so he may have put stabilizer in it. Does anyone know how to tell the engine by sight? I am still glad my dad has his jug of R-12 if it needs recharged.