Just bought an 86 Ram D100 with a /6 and what I'm told is a 3 speed auto trans. It has been sitting for at least the last 8 years without being started. I am also told the intake is cracked but I'm not sure where, I haven't seen anything when I've looked it over. I have not yet tried to start the engine for fear of messing something up. I have removed the spark plugs and poured in a little Marvel Mystery oil and have let it soak for about a week. I'm still not certain that's safe to try to start it. I do plan to change the oil/filter, plugs, wires, and dist. cap and rotor, what else should I look at before trying to crank it over? Also what are the common areas of the intake that crack? And, can it be repaired, or does it need completely replaced? Money is tight so I can't be throwing a bunch of parts at it, I just want it to be running and at least somewhat dependable. So that later when I am able to start really modifying/restoring the truck I have a good solid starting point. Thank you for all advice.

I have an 86 that I have owned for many years. Just did a 2bbl upgrade and I have an aluminum 1bbl manifold you can have if you want to pay the shipping. I am in hot springs, ar.

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86 dodge d100 225 auto

btw, I'd change the oil, ck the coolant and spin er up! 225 prob the most durable engine ever built!

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86 dodge d100 225 auto

I recall reading some posts here that the base/floor of the intake (where it meets the exhaust manifold) can crack.

I would spin it over by hand a few revolutions before using the starter. Use the bolt in the center of the crank - if there isn't one get a grade 8 bolt from the hardware store - 3/4" fine thread. Don't forget a washer. Do it without the plugs in.

Use only new gas supply (clean out fuel tank)!

Richard

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Sent you a pm

I appreciate all the replies. I have turned it over by hand (rotated the fan and watched that the crank pulley was rotating too) What is the best way to get the fuel tank cleaned? I tried to remove it but the bolts only want to spin and I can't get anything on the other side to try to hold it steady. Thank you again for all your help.

I don't know mine is a car, can you use a pair of vice grips or is it a captive nut with a bolt ??
Maybe just getting all the old gas out and putting in new gas in will dilute the varnish enough.


Richard

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Siphon it out? I keep a spare electric fuel pump for such an occasion. If your anxious you can temporarily fill a gas can and run a hose to the input of the stock pump, disconnecting the original one.

I managed to get it started the other day with the old gas in the tank and some starting fluid in the carb. I replaced the spark plugs and put the battery in from my Durango (couldn't get the old one to jump off). I took it for a short drive today just down the street a block or two and it seems to drive pretty well but reverse is real stubborn, something I'm sure could be fixed by replacing the trans fluid and hopefully a little bit of driving. It sounds like it has an exhaust leak but otherwise seems to run pretty well over all. I'm really excited and impressed by the way things are working out so far on this truck.

Hey Mr. P,
Since 1975, Lorrie has had three sets of Manifolds. The first two both cracked where the Exhaust Manifold transitions from six runners to the one which then goes into the Exhaust Pipe.

When the second one cracked, the NEW set was put on, and a bracket was installed between a Muffler Pipe Clamp, installed just below the the Exhaust Manifold Exhaust Pipe Flange, one of the Transmission Bell House Cover Bolts.

What this does is: When the Engine Moves around (torquing, vibrating, etc.) instead of the the stress being transmitted to the Exhaust Manifold, it, by being solidly triangulated to the Transmission puts the stress caused by the Engine/Transmission/Manifold moving around clear back to the Muffler Inlet, and this movement is minimalized over the distance between the Triangulation Bracket and the Muffler Inlet Pipe.

No more cracked Exhaust Manifold.

JC

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Lorrie Van Haul - 1967 Dodge - P200 Post Office Vehicle - 225 Slant Six - Torqueflite A727 Automatic Transmission - Right Hand Drive Steering - Big Three HEI System - Frantz Oil Cleaner System - Bendix Stromberg Model W Carburetor