NEW (to me) 1973 Stock Original Scout II 345 V8

[73IHScoutII-CHRIS]

I am so excited to join the Scout family! My 73 Scout II 345 has been sitting for a long (16 years). Supposedly parked with a 'bad distributor bearing'. Looking for a little advise on where to start. I was going to drain the gas and oil, replace filter, water, pull plugs and make sure it turns over first. Replace the distributor, cap, wires, plugs, etc and see if it has spark. Then check to see if it turns over by the starter is all is good up to that point. Anything to look out for or words of advice?

Thank you!

 

[FDChappie]

If the engine has not run for a long time, pressurize the oil system so it doesn't spin the dry bearings. Make an adapter to spin the oil pump with a cordless drill.

 

[Scoutboy74]

Yep. This is the most important first step for reviving any long dormant engine. Don't dry crank it. Yank the distributor out. As per the po, its a suspect part anyway. A very long and large, standard screwdiver with the handle cut off, then chucked into a drill and spun in a clockwise (righty-tighty) direction will work to spin the oil pump and pressurize the lubrication system.