I’ve never worried about pre-lubing engines that haven’t been run for a lot of years, but on one that new, I’d run it on 25 to 1 gas/oil mix the first time you start it, and never run 100 to 1 (as some motors back then claimed); use 50 to 1 after you once get it running.
If it pulls over really sluggish, you may want to take the spark plugs out, tip it up and put a small bit of gas/oil mix into the cylinders, or pump a bit of oil in with a pump oil can, but I do these things only if it pulls over sluggish or has low initial (measured) compression; because you will likely just be taking the plugs out again after a pull or two as they foul up with what you put in the cylinders before you get it started.
Check the lower gearcase first – drain and replace – you may be surprised at what does or doesn’t come out. Watch for the telltail cooling water – expect the impeller to be bad or not last long.
What kind and HP is it?
Dave
