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I've made quite a bit of progress on my 65 roadster. My question is....I want to start my engine on the frame before the body goes back on. I know you'll see that I still need to add some finishing touches before this happens. Does anyone know how to "quick-wire" the engine to do this? I know they sell a push button starter, but not sure how to wire it in. YouTube will probably have an answer, but I want the corvette experts to chime in!
I've made quite a bit of progress on my 65 roadster. My question is....I want to start my engine on the frame before the body goes back on. I know you'll see that I still need to add some finishing touches before this happens. Does anyone know how to "quick-wire" the engine to do this?
At a minimum, here's what you'll need:
1. 12V battery & cables - (+) to big stud on solenoid, (-) to block.
2. 12V from battery (+) through ballast resistor and toggle switch to (+) terminal on coil (this becomes your "ignition switch").
3. 12V from battery through a pushbutton switch to the "S" terminal on the starter solenoid (activates starter).
4. Black wire from distributor (points) to the (-) terminal on the coil.
If you're not familiar with how points ignition systems work, read this article:
Thanks JohnZ! That's exactly what I need. Since I'm close to putting the body on, I may as well make sure the engine doesn't have any major issues. Although it's had a total rebuild, you never know!
If this is a fresh rebuild and you intend to break it in, please make sure you know exactly how and that it starts the first turn of the key/switch. If it's not done correctly, you stand a chance of wiping the cam and you are back to square one. There are YouTube videos showing the process. Good luck! Dennis
Thanks Bluestripe67.
It is a fresh rebuild. I Have broken in engines before by holding them at the desired RPM, and length of time, etc. My intention is set the carb, and distributor in (after oil priming the engine), and to make sure it starts, and only run for a second or two. I would break it in after the body is back on and properly cooled, and wired. Would this hurt the engine more if I do that? I just want to make sure there is nothing that sounds way wrong, as it would be easy to remove at this point. I guess I may just be overly paranoid! I probably really don't have to do it.
. Would this hurt the engine more if I do that?.... I just want to make sure there is nothing that sounds way wrong, I probably really don't have to do it.
Starting a new motor for the first time is not unlike a catheter being threaded up your artery. Its done all the time, but it has its risks and only those who know what they're doing should try.
The best cam break-in is done by the machine shop on a stand. But its done in a chassis all the time. My suggestion is that you have someone with you that has done this often, check & then double check every contingency. Then, finish what you start. You wouldn't want the doctor to say "lemmie thread this catheter part the way up to see if it fits, then you can come back Monday & I'll do the whole job."
I've made quite a bit of progress on my 65 roadster. My question is....I want to start my engine on the frame before the body goes back on. I know you'll see that I still need to add some finishing touches before this happens. Does anyone know how to "quick-wire" the engine to do this? I know they sell a push button starter, but not sure how to wire it in. YouTube will probably have an answer, but I want the corvette experts to chime in!
Pictures show some FANTASIC restoration work in my mind. Looks beautiful. You should be very proud. Keep it up .
Thanks Bluestripe67.
It is a fresh rebuild. I Have broken in engines before by holding them at the desired RPM, and length of time, etc. My intention is set the carb, and distributor in (after oil priming the engine), and to make sure it starts, and only run for a second or two. I would break it in after the body is back on and properly cooled, and wired. Would this hurt the engine more if I do that? I just want to make sure there is nothing that sounds way wrong, as it would be easy to remove at this point. I guess I may just be overly paranoid! I probably really don't have to do it.
FWIW, I would not run it for a second or two or three etc. If you are going to start it, do it for the real breakin. Otherwise you stand a chance of wiping the breakin lube off the cam lobes and no continued long term oiling from cranksplash. How much adjustment is really necessary for the carb? Setting the carb and distributor is well outlined here on the CF and on YouTube. Good luck! Dennis
Thanks for all of the responses! I believe waiting to break it in correctly at the initial start-up would be a wise choice. I guess I'm just anxious to hear it run!!
Engine start-up
