engine and drivetrain Start-Up Of Rebuilt Engine Thats Sat For Awhile

[willie002]

I had my engine rebuilt 2 to 21/2 years ago, before I could install it I ran into health problems that prevented me from completing the job. The engine has been in my garage the whole time. Now that I can finish the work I'm wanting to know if there's anything special I need to do to it before reinstalling it. I've been away from working on cars for awhile that I suffer brain fade on some issues. Unfortunately, this is of of those things. Any advise or wise words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.

[Mike Self]

Presuming it's been sitting with the intake/exhaust manifolds taped closed, ditto with the carb (if installed) and with spark plugs in:  first, can you  turn it over with a big socket on the crankshaft pulley (spark plugs removed)?  

 

If so, then once you reinstall the engine and get everything all reconnected, put a teaspoon of motor oil down each spark plug hole (one squirt with a small pump oiler is fine) and turn the engine over with the starter for 5-10 seconds to distribute oil on the cylinder walls--the oil pressure warning light should go out.  Then reinstall the spark plugs, prime the carb with some gas (down into the float chamber via its air vent) and have at it.  It'll smoke like crazy for a few seconds until all that oil burns off the cylinder walls, but at least you know it's starting with well lubricated rings and cylinders, and the pre-start cranking will get oil circulating throughout the engine.    

 

Good luck

mike

Edited January 12, 2014 by mike

[TobyB]

What Mike said, plus take the valve cover off, grease the cam up real good,

then drain the oil and use a break- in oil or a good dino oil and a break- in

additive from one of the major cam manufacturers.

 

t

[willie002]

At least I was smart enough and had the time to plug all the holes in the block and manifolds before I had to leave it. I guess I did have someone take it in to the machine shop that did the work originally and they did some additional work to the head and re-greased everything so that was done. Ok, guys thank you very much for the information. It may be best for me to re-read some of my manuals before I get too much further along. Thanks again!