I have a 1953 lincoln cosmopolitian with a v8, the car only has 5000 miles on it, my ? is after all this time sitting how should i start going about starting it up or is that even posible?

Hi!

I've been a Lincoln freak for decades. Don't go quite that far back but the answer to your question is yes you should try to start it but FIRST.......

Here it comes!

Turn the engine by the crankshaft bolt in damper and see if it even turns. If not pull plugs and squirt some PB or a small amount of penetraiting oil and wait a few days. Try again back and fourth. Shouldn't be fooled by the bolt just coming out so look to see if the damper turns.

OK: If it turns the next thing is to get all the fuel out of it. It may have a glass bowl type filter/water seperator under the hood and it can be cleaned. Don't add gas yet to anything.

Next you need to know about its battery set up. 12v - 6v and whether positive or neg ground. Pre 1956 there was no standard like now.

If all goes well use just starting fluid and a jump to battery cables with awesome cables to just the cables with battery gone as it can't be anything but trouble.
___________________________________________________

Hit back with any info you can find. Some Lincoln groups that won't quit are LCOC (which is Lincoln and Continental owner's Club) and Baker's auto Rt. 44 Putnam, CT attn: Steve Ouellette.

Let me know how far you want to go with this and I'll try. Expect it to be a money pit even with the low miles, Good luck, T
_________________________________________

Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Thanks for your responce, Ive already sprayed PB in each cylinder and have been told that maybe diesel fuel would also help. My main concern would be for the rubber or plastic parts inside the engine i.e. valve seals. I am going to rebuild the carb and do as you have suggested, Im not in any hurry but will let you know what happens. Do you know any good sources for reproduction oem interiors, seats, door panels, headliner ect.......

Hi again,

Sorry I took so long to get back

1. Diesel fuel and Kerosene might help but if you want I suggest a small amount of ATF or Marvel Mystery oil BUT NOT TOO MUCH!! You don't want the engine to get near hydraulic lock. If when the day comes to crank it and if that is suspect crank engine with plugs out! It's happened to me.

2. The carb rebuild: weigh the float(s) to check for spec .... Find a professional edition Chiltons which then were amazing books with diagrams. My oldest is a 69 which covers 61-69 which was typical until the 70s when they went down hill. They could be found in Hemmings Motor News and if you don't get just one copy of one of those.

3. For actual OEM parts and nice reproductions of fabrics the Hemmings will be an awesome source. Some or many of the folks who have stuff are not computerized but you will get a healthy list of parts and if they can't they might give you to another they know of.

Keep at it. It would be nice to know and you don't have to say about where you are located as I may know of some contacts near you, Be well, T
_________________________________________

Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston