Starting A Rebuilt Engine

["Ted Blackington" <cebuisle@xxxxxxx>]

Hello!

All the suggestions are good-the tool used to prime the engine via the oil pump is the best method. An old screwdriver blade removed from the handle and inserted in your drill motor chuck works too. Years ago before these excellent tools I simply packed the bearings with grease before torquing them down, and mixed a little 2-cycle engine oil in the gas for start up. I've heard of race engines that run with no oil-just grease packed bearings. Of course, this makes a rebuild necessary after every run. But the grease method for just startup works well-it will lube the bearings long enough for the engine to start.                                                                                         

                                                                                           Ted B

 

----- Original Message -----

From: WC Roddick

Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2003 11:22 AM

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: Re: IML: Starting A Rebuilt Engine

 

Yep, have always used the petroleum jelly pack in the oil pump, works really well and the jelly just melts and blends with the oil. 

 

Also, to ensure an instant startup, I align the timing marks on the damper to TDC #1 (compression), align the distributor rotor with the #1 plug tower, hook up a timing light, turn the ignition "on", and squeeze the light's trigger while rotating the distributor housing (opposite shaft rotation).  When the light flashes I know it's "in time", meaning the points are just opening and #1 plug would be firing.  I then tighten the distributor hold-down bolt.  And, make sure the carburetor float bowl(s) are full of fuel.

 

Good luck!

 

Bill & Tami Roddick
1964 Imperial Crown 4DR HT
1972 'Cuda 340 (Tami's car)
1995 Concorde
1997 Wrangler

 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Stevan Miner

To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2003 7:11 AM

Subject: Re: IML: Starting A Rebuilt Engine

I always just use a 1/4 inch drive socket and a speed wrench to spin the oil pump. I put a oil gauge on a short length of hose screwed into the back oil galley port where the sending unit goes to watch for oil pressure. You will certainly know when that comes up as the wrench will turn much harder. I also always pack the oil pump cavity with petroleum jelly and the oil filter with some oil to speed up the process.

Steve Miner

Miner Auto Service

Winnebago, MN