Prepping 534 for long trip
#1
Prepping 534 for long trip
Hi folks -
Newbie here, but grew up with C series trucks in the fire department and just bought one. 1970 C850. 5sp. Very nice shape. Fire body removed. But here's the question:
I need get it from FL to CT. It has 17K miles on it. I think I might drive it, burning the numbers off my credit card for fuel. What should I do to prep it? I don't know exactly where it's been recently and what condition internals are. It looks good and sounds good. I'm thinking things like:
- change all fluids and filters
- proactively change all belts, hoses
- maybe even change out the alternator if I can't tell age
- does this engine have flat tappets? should I make sure I have oil compatible with older engines (zinc/phosphates)
- transmission fluids, filters
And any chance I'd get over 5 MPGs given that it is empty?
Thx for your thoughts....
poates
Newbie here, but grew up with C series trucks in the fire department and just bought one. 1970 C850. 5sp. Very nice shape. Fire body removed. But here's the question:
I need get it from FL to CT. It has 17K miles on it. I think I might drive it, burning the numbers off my credit card for fuel. What should I do to prep it? I don't know exactly where it's been recently and what condition internals are. It looks good and sounds good. I'm thinking things like:
- change all fluids and filters
- proactively change all belts, hoses
- maybe even change out the alternator if I can't tell age
- does this engine have flat tappets? should I make sure I have oil compatible with older engines (zinc/phosphates)
- transmission fluids, filters
And any chance I'd get over 5 MPGs given that it is empty?
Thx for your thoughts....
poates
#2
Welcome to FTE.
This engine has flat tappets with hydraulic lifters.
Something like Shell Rotella 15w-40 would work methinks.
That zinc thing is mostly for break in afaik, but it isn't a bad idea to watch that with an older engine.
Shell Rotella® Products | Shell Rotella
As far as your prep, sounds good. Not sure I'd change the alternator.
5 mpg is what I'd expect.
This engine has flat tappets with hydraulic lifters.
Something like Shell Rotella 15w-40 would work methinks.
That zinc thing is mostly for break in afaik, but it isn't a bad idea to watch that with an older engine.
Shell Rotella® Products | Shell Rotella
As far as your prep, sounds good. Not sure I'd change the alternator.
5 mpg is what I'd expect.
#3
#4
update
thanks for the feedback so far. I've held off pulling the trigger. Geez, its a nice truck, and really cheap, but want to make sure I respect what I am getting into.
I've searched the site for parts sources for the 534 cu inch and am not finding much. I also talked to my local NAPA guy and we had trouble finding filters and other parts for it. BUT, I know there are a lot of fire departments out there still running these, so they are getting parts from somewhere. I guess I need to call FordMoCo and check.
Anyone have a reliable parts source? Hard to commit to a long term relationship with a big engine if I can't take care of her
Paul
I've searched the site for parts sources for the 534 cu inch and am not finding much. I also talked to my local NAPA guy and we had trouble finding filters and other parts for it. BUT, I know there are a lot of fire departments out there still running these, so they are getting parts from somewhere. I guess I need to call FordMoCo and check.
Anyone have a reliable parts source? Hard to commit to a long term relationship with a big engine if I can't take care of her
Paul
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