Sitting Motor
 

what is the best way to see if a motor that has been sitting for awhile runs and/or best way to start a motor safely with no history of sitting motor. i have a 72 2.4 that has been sitting for several years and it turns ok as i do turn motor routinely. i am going to put it in my car to test what would proper compression be for the cylinders. buying new basic maintenance,plugs,wires,cap, etc...

I would start with a leak down test. This will give you a better idea than a compression test. Make sure you have the valve clearance set. Look at the cam lobes while setting valve clearance for pitting or wear. If the leak down results are good then put in fresh oil and prime it by cranking it with the starter, spark plugs out and ignition diasabled. Check the oil pressure gauge while cranking to make sure that the oil pump is working. If the engine is out I would pull the covers and check the chain tensioners and rubbing blocks. This engine would have the older mechanical tensioners unless someone updated them. When mine failed it cost me a few bent valves when the chain skipped a tooth.

thanx will do a leakdown test. just do not want to rebuild yet as in middle of 2.0s project(1 motor at a time).