- Drop tank, clean, and clean fuel lines 100% Any gas this old will trash the carb and stick valves. Even if it seems empty, there will be gum and trash in there that HAS to come out. (Modern gas turns to gummy crap when it sits even 6 months.)
- Hope that the carb is not gummed up. Look down carb throat for anything odd. Be prepared to rebuild it.
- Put light oil in each cylinder and with all plugs out, see if you can turn it by hand. If not, put some rust penetrant in, and let it soak for a few days. Then add some more light oil Don't try to crank until it is freed by hand. If you never get it free, then it's likely gonna break a piston ring or ring land if you crank it.
- Fresh plugs, etc. Check points opening gap
- Check timing by looking at the point opening timing versus the crank timing mark
- Priming is not a bad idea, but I never have done so.
- Put in light oil like 10W30. Examine the old oil for water.
- New oil and gas filters for sure; you don't know if the paper has deteriorated
- Check exhaust for obstructions
- Use a small bottle with a small hole in the top to squirt fresh gas into the carb's bowl vent; no starting fluid....it washes the oil off of the cylinders.
- Pump throttle a few times and fire.
- Several quick oil and filter changes if it runs.
Good luck!
