53 Nailhead Question??

I am trying to start a 53 Buick (322 nailhead) that has been sitting for at least 25 years. The starter had been taken off the last time it ran and was in the back seat. I fixed the starter and need to know what size and thread the bolts are that hold it on. I am working on the car away from my shop and need to bring what I need. I tried to see in, but the starter is located in a hard to get at spot.

I plan on filling the cylinders with diesel to make sure it is loose when I try to turn it over in a week. The motor is not totaly seized. Any other tips for starting a motor that has been sitting this long.

The car is parts only (had a tree fall on it). Is this a decent motor to build for my 34 coupe? If it runs good, I may use it, but if it doesn't?

Thanks

 

I had a 53 that had obviously sat for some time before I bought it. I purchased remanufactured rocker shaft ***emblies, new pushrods, lifters, dropped the pan and cleaned it out as well as the oil pump. Pulled the valley cover and cleaned that area as well as the area under the valve covers. Tried to clean it as good as possible with carb cleaner and kerosene. Poured oil through the motor to coat everything (had a big catch pan under it) and put it back together after having the intake baked clean and rebuilding the carb. It ran real good but smoked a little and used a little oil, but was pretty quiet and plenty of power.

I'd say it may be a great motor for a hotrod. One important thing with 53 motors: Steel cam and lifters as opposed to later models with modern iron cam and lifter. This just necessitates that you use steel lifters strictly for a 53 unless you remove the cam and replace it with a later one.

 

I just got through freeing a 53 and a 54 322 nailhead and can tell you the 53 is a motor to themselves as far as pistons and valves. I strongly advise pulling the heads before you start as the combustion chambers are of a design that if any crud is caught between the piston and head you will break a piston I have a 54 322 with two broken pistons, now, to prove it. The valves are very prone to sticking and that will lead to more trouble if you try to turn it over with the heads still on. On the 54 engine I just tapped all the valves to free them but bent one in the process. So my advise to you is to pull the heads first and save yourself some headaches and $$$$$ in the long run. By the way www.rockauto.com has felpro full gasket sets for these for $107 and they come with the original steel head and intake gaskets. Just my 2 cents worth. As to the starter bolts they should be 7/16 corse thread about 1 1/4" long.

 

Thanks guys, I will take your advice and pull the heads to see what is in there.