1940 dodge pickup.. how do I start it?

[charmcity]

I recently was given my grandfathers 1940 dodge pickup truck that has been sitting for a bit. I have been just looking over the truck and fixing a few things and just trying to become familiar with it. I have gotten it to the point where I can start it up but after tons of research that led to nothing I just cant seem to figure it out how to do that. 

[Young Ed]

Welcome to the site. First you're on the car side. While the starting part is basically the same as a car you'll do better putting truck stuff on the truck part of the forum. 

Now are you saying you are trying to start it and it won't? Or looking for how to revive it safely and attempt to start it?

[SteveR]

Was the truck running when you got it?

Make sure the carb bowl is full of fuel, you have spark and compression. Are you on points or electronic ignition?

If all is good on my 230 engine that has electronic ignition. I pull the choke and hit the starter. As soon as it fires I push in the choke.

[Dodgeed]

On 3/13/2025 at 7:46 AM, SteveR said:

Was the truck running when you got it?

Make sure the carb bowl is full of fuel, you have spark and compression. Are you on points or electronic ignition?

If all is good on my 230 engine that has electronic ignition. I pull the choke and hit the starter. As soon as it fires I push in the choke.

Maybe he needs even more details? Pull the choke out; pump the gas once or twice; ensure you're in neutral gear or push the clutch pedal all the way in; turn the key; press on the starter button on the floor, and be ready to switch to the gas pedal quickly once it fires. If it doesn't fire, wait a few seconds and try again. The instant it fires, be ready to switch your foot off the starter button and onto the gas to keep it from dying; push in the choke button all the way, and sit there awhile revving the engine to get it warmed up. When it no longer feels like it will die when you let off the gas, you should be okay. 

[Ivan_B]

Here is the 48-49 manual. And the OP is gone trucking 🤣

[MBF]

Don’t mean to hijack this thread, but I wanted to share something I learned.  Since the 50’s I’ve been holding own he clutch to start a cold engine mostly to eliminate the drag of the cold trans lube.  After recently going through a complete rebuild of the 251 in my B2JA a very talented elderly machinist advised against that when he watched me start it.  He said that running a dry crankshaft thrust collar  against a dry thrust bearing causes excessive wear on the bearing and over time the thrust collar too.  He said that this was part of the reason that the collar on my crank needed to built up and machined down.   Just something to think about..    not trying to start an argument simply sharing another person’s opinion that I respect!