So my 52 has a 216 that has not been started for a number of years. It still has 6 volt system and I do not have a 6 volt battery. I plan on converting to 12 volts. Should I do the conversion before trying to start it? Is there a way I can disconnect the dash and stuff so if I try to start with 12 volt so I won't burn anything up? Dying to see if I can get it started. Thanks,
Disconnect the fuel guage and radio. Lights? leave them off. Spin the motor until you get oil pressure. Fire it up!!
Don't turn on any lights, put in the twelve volt battery and start her up. Do the conversion after you know it runs. The conversion has been covered here several times with several different methods, all good.
My 2 cents is to take all the wires off the starter that are going and feeding the car and go direct under the hood. And use a voltage drop to the coil and points. I had a motor in my 41 that was sitting in there since 1985, I got it to start up with out changing plugs or points and ran good even tho it smoked.LOL
That is what I would do. Set the 12 volt battery and wiring just like the engine was on a test stand. All wiring from battery or starter to inside of car disconnected. +cable to starter - cable to ground on block Wire to coil with resistor in the middle from + on battery to + on coil (toggle switch optional. Wire from start pole on solenoid long enough so you can make contact with +post on battery or put a push****on switch in the middle of it so you can operate the switch. That should let you crank it over to start it with no worries about 12V affecting anything electrical in the car.
This type of wiring should let you start it. However, before you try to turn it over, read this: http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/start-an-engine.html
Have you oiled the cylinders and turned it over by hand? I got a 6cyl running after 29 years of sitting. Needed some gaskets and misc stuff but running good now.
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