My nephew just gave me a 1971 240 he didn't want to mess with. He drove it to the house one year ago and it has not turned over since. What should I do before trying to start. The battery is charged.

Drain the gas, blow out gas lines w/compressed air, replace fuel filter and any rubber hoses that feel hard or are cracked. Replace oil and filter*. Drain and replace coolant and check hoses. Remove spark plugs and turn engine over by hand using the crank pulley bolt (27mm) to insure engine hasn't seized. If plugs look black or are wet, replace them. Use NKG plugs only.

*Remove the valve cover and when filling with oil, take one quart and soak down the cam with it. Reinstall valve cover before cranking.

If all is well and timing isn't off, it should start just fine.

Frank

Welcome, Ed.

This thread covers this topic so thoroughly it really should be a sticky. (Hint, hint, moderators.)

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22619

Get a loan .