The Dodge Challenger Message Board

Hi Guys,...Anyone help me with advice on getting the 340 in my 70 up and running after 7 years hibernation,.....I need help!!!!

Was it healthy when you put it up? No mechanical problems? Good Battery? I would test for a spark, if it passes, I would drain the old oil, fill a new filter up, on the 340 the filter fits up into the block passenger side at an upright angle so you can almost fill the filter to the very top and it wont make a huge mess, if you have headers and a M.P. small block adaptor, you wont be able to fill the filter up as much, and you can get a PH43 Fram, or Wix,(Prefered), or other short type filter to aid you. This will help prevent a dry start and keep the oil system primed with engine oil.(Firing order on all MoPar's is 18436572) A fresh set of spark plugs will help it start easier as well as an ounce or less of raw fuel into the carby. Also make sure the choke isnt stuck closed.(Pull down on the chokes linkage) Good luck and let us know!

SuperSoul wrote:I need help!!!!

You sure do. I mean it can´t be very easy beeing a blind mechanic, right Supersoul?

airfuelEddie wrote:Was it healthy when you put it up? No mechanical problems? Good Battery? I would test for a spark, if it passes, I would drain the old oil, fill a new filter up, on the 340 the filter fits up into the block passenger side at an upright angle so you can almost fill the filter to the very top and it wont make a huge mess, if you have headers and a M.P. small block adaptor, you wont be able to fill the filter up as much, and you can get a PH43 Fram, or Wix,(Prefered), or other short type filter to aid you. This will help prevent a dry start and keep the oil system primed with engine oil.(Firing order on all MoPar's is 18436572) A fresh set of spark plugs will help it start easier as well as an ounce or less of raw fuel into the carby. Also make sure the choke isnt stuck closed.(Pull down on the chokes linkage) Good luck and let us know!

.....Yeah,...Eddie,.....Drove it in,...runnin' schweet,....havn't had a chance to see it yet,...D'ya reckon the engine will turn over,...or could the rings be siezed in the bores?

christer wrote:

SuperSoul wrote:I need help!!!!

You sure do. I mean it can´t be very easy beeing a blind mechanic, right Supersoul?

.....Just feel the vibes, man,...just feel the vibes!!!!

SuperSoul wrote:

airfuelEddie wrote:Was it healthy when you put it up? No mechanical problems? Good Battery? I would test for a spark, if it passes, I would drain the old oil, fill a new filter up, on the 340 the filter fits up into the block passenger side at an upright angle so you can almost fill the filter to the very top and it wont make a huge mess, if you have headers and a M.P. small block adaptor, you wont be able to fill the filter up as much, and you can get a PH43 Fram, or Wix,(Prefered), or other short type filter to aid you. This will help prevent a dry start and keep the oil system primed with engine oil.(Firing order on all MoPar's is 18436572) A fresh set of spark plugs will help it start easier as well as an ounce or less of raw fuel into the carby. Also make sure the choke isnt stuck closed.(Pull down on the chokes linkage) Good luck and let us know!

.....Yeah,...Eddie,.....Drove it in,...runnin' schweet,....havn't had a chance to see it yet,...D'ya reckon the engine will turn over,...or could the rings be siezed in the bores?

I really doubt the rings are seized in their bores. If you're concerned about this you can put a teaspoon or two of transmission fluid in the cylinders, wait an hour to let the fluid creep into the rings, have a sandwich, then attempt to turn it over with the spark plugs removed,(number the wires to aid in replacement), and a long breaker bar. If it turns over OK then your worries are over! replace with new spark plugs and follow the above post about oil&filter plus some fresh fuel and a good battery will aid you as well, I would run it a high idle, make sure there is some anti-freeze/ coolant in the radiator, and it should be fine! I high idle 1500RPM's will help oil splash on the cam and lifters, a slow idle is bad! (On first start-up after that long). BTW, I would also check the fan belts and hoses, make sure they are in good shape and not too loose or frayed. Keep us posted it should be perfectly fine though. 340's are tough little buggers man! We have a member here who runs one. Jon from Cali has a 70 340, maybe he has some tips?

Thanks Eddie,...I love my Mopar, I ran her into storage one winter, and life just took over,....I got injured, and my back was shot for a while, had to help Mom and Dad through illness, and the years just flew by,....back's better thanks to rehab,...and I thought about selling the Challenger.
Went to see her 7 years on, and I just fell in love all over again.
She's White with a black vinyl roof, Centerlines and Polyglas, R/T'd, but not a real one,.R/T hood, 340, Carter VOS, Slapshot auto......Gotta get her running again!....Thanks for the help,.....it's all appreciated.

A white '70 340 that looks like an R/T?

I think I saw this car and talked to its owner (you?) at the Mopar Nats one time back when the event was held at Shakespeare County Raceway.

dave-r wrote:A white '70 340 that looks like an R/T?

I think I saw this car and talked to its owner (you?) at the Mopar Nats one time back when the event was held at Shakespeare County Raceway.

..May well have, Dave,..was there '''98/99/2000,...maybe,'01,...car was put away that winter,.....Good to hear from ya,..bro!,.....Keep in touch!!!!

Does anyone reckon the battery can be coaxed back into service,...or recommend where to source a replacement?