I didn't see a GOOD "How to start a fresh rebuild for the first time thread". Since I'm preparing to do that soon, I thought I would start one. If everyone would toss in their 2 cents/tips for a good, clean, safe start, please feel free to add/correct.



I'll start with:



1) Make sure you have a strong battery for a good spark



2) You want to get oil into the engine as quickly as possible, one of the ways to do this is:

a) Fill your fresh filter with oil before installing



b) dump oil into all oil leads into the engine (fill both holes that feed/drain oil from the filter) as well as fill oil hole going to oil cooler, might have to refill it 5 - 6 times as it will slowly drain into the cooler, filling it.



3) Check for leaks in the cooling system, if you have compresses air use it to compress the cooling system before filling it. Air will leak from places water won't even think about leaking from. If your cooling system passes the air pressure test, it will certainly hold compressed coolant/water.



4) Make sure to fill your coolant system. Watch to be sure water temps do not climb too high during first 30 minute start/idle. If they do, you likely did not fill the coolant system enough.



5) After it starts for the first time, it is best to let the motor idle for 30 minutes or more before shutting it off. (during this first start idle, walk around the car, checking for leaks!) Revving the engine to 3000 rpm after the first 30 seconds for 10 seconds to get the oil pressure up and oil well distributed though the oil cooling system.



6) If nothing is leaking and the car isn't overheating after the first 30 minutes, take the car for a short spin -- have someone follow you to watch for leaks, etc.



7) After returning, and letting the engine cool a bit, resnug bolts.



These items were the high-points I got from Rob @ Pineapple when we was giving me directions on starting a new rebuild for the first time.



If there are any more from those more experienced in starting a new motor for the first time, lets hear them!



K

 

once and awhile i'll disable the ingnition and crank the motor till i see oil pressure, its totally unneeded.



mike

 

I'll move this to the FAQ section once traffic dies down.

 

yeah that good !