BMW Blog

I have a 78 CJ5 that has been in my parents garage since 1995. Just prior to it sitting, I dropped in a rebuilt 304 with the help of my cousin. I didn't properly "store" the vehicle, so I'm sure there are numerous issues to contend with. What's the best way to get it up and running again. Also- before I left, I hadn't dealt with any smog issues from swapping the motor. What should I do to get it running? At the moment, I'm about 400 miles away and will need to either get it down here or go up there to get it running. To be quite honest, I'm about ready to take it somewhere to get it moving... any thoughts?
Just change ALL FLUIDS(and filters) and start her up.
Although I offer this advice only from what I have seen, and not what I have done. I agree with bjf98.

I saw just the other day on the show Trucks! Where he went and pulled an old 54? 56? truck from a field and went over what he did to start it. (Someone had asked where he got his trucks from and how he knew it was worth fixing up.

He changed all the fluids, checked/changed the spark plugs and wires, checked/changed/bleed all the brakes and then he fired it up.

This was a great show! This truck had overgrowth still hanging on it.. They pulled it from some field and then with a little work, he got it on the road for a test spin...

Good luck and let us know how it turned out!!

Jamie
...What's the best way to get it up and running again?
Siphon out the old gasoline, put some new stuff in. Install a new (and fully charged) battery. Check the oil level (or do an oil/filter change). Check the coolant level. Disconnect the fuel line from the carb. Pull the coil wire and crank the motor for 15-20 sec. Let it rest, crank again. See if you're getting fuel up to the carb. If you are, connect the fuel line. Crank it a couple more times, then reconnect the coil wire and see if it'll start. Oh...Do it outside. And with a fire extinquisher handy...Just in case.

...Also- before I left, I hadn't dealt with any smog issues from swapping the motor.
That you'll need to address with the Kalifornia crowd. They'll have all the ins/outs on what's necessary. Taking advice from someone who lives in another State is pointless and expensive.

...At the moment, I'm about 400 miles away and will need to either get it down here or go up there to get it running. To be quite honest, I'm about ready to take it somewhere to get it moving... any thoughts?
Rent a trailer from U-Haul, Penske, Budget, et al. You might be able to move it on a 2-wheel dolly, depending on the laws in Kali. In MI, if you tow a vehicle behind another vehicle (and it's not on a licensed trailer) the tow'd vehicle needs to be insured/registered/plated. A tow-dolly is not considered a trailer in MI, but rather a part of the towing vehicle (like a hitch or tow bar), and doesn't require a registration plate. Which makes it 'illegal' to move a vehicle without a current registration/license plate...Unless it's on a trailer. Do the cops care? I've moved my (un-licensed) CJ5 on a tow bar in three states. Never been stopped (I've wired the CJ's lights to the tow'd vehicles). But ya never know when you're gonna run in Barney Fife out there.....
Although I offer this advice only from what I have seen, and not what I have done. I agree with bjf98.

I saw just the other day on the show Trucks! Where he went and pulled an old 54? 56? truck from a field and went over what he did to start it. (Someone had asked where he got his trucks from and how he knew it was worth fixing up.

He changed all the fluids, checked/changed the spark plugs and wires, checked/changed/bleed all the brakes and then he fired it up.

This was a great show! This truck had overgrowth still hanging on it.. They pulled it from some field and then with a little work, he got it on the road for a test spin...

Good luck and let us know how it turned out!!

Jamie

Man i love the power block!! haha