I have just acquired my deceased brothers 1972 base model Camaro with the 307 ci engine. It has 31,000 original miles but has been garaged the last 40 years. It is in great shape inside and mostly outside, I wanted to turn the engine by hand to see if it is free, I have removed the spark plugs and soaked the cylinders with Marvels Mystery oil and removed all belts. What is the best way to turn the crankshaft?
Thanks for any and all tips.

 

If it's not really bad struck I'd put a breaker bar and socket on the bolt in the balancer on the front of the crank and give it a tug.
If it moves I'd go a little at a time adding more oil in the cylinders until it's turned all the way a revolution or two.
I'd also pull the valve covers and drizzle some oil down to the lifters and watch to see none of the lifters or valves are stuck as you turn it.
Once you know everything is loose you can use the starter to spin it and push out excess oil.
You're going to want to check and probably replace the rubber bits like fuel lines and coolant hoses and drain out any old gas if there is any before trying to add fresh oil/gas and start it up. I'd want to pull the carb off and get it rebuilt as well.
Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Thanks Y2K