Starting new engine with body off
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Hilliard FL
Starting new engine with body off
I plan to start the engine that I rebuilt while the frame is still off just in case it don't go as planned. I have never given it much thought until now.
I plan to put the alternator on just to pull the water pump.
Set the radiator on something and hook the hoses up.
No thermostat. Radiator full of water.
Hook up a temporary TACH,TERMPERATURE, and OIL PRESSURE guage.
Make sure it has oil
Use the primer tool to pump the oil around before installing the distributor.
Distributor and plug wires on.
fuel pump hooked up with fuel pumping
+ Wire from battery to starter.
- Battery to chassis ground.
+ from battery to coil (on a switch)
coil - to points
The question
What have I missed?
Do I need any more wiring to the starter (or anywhere else) to fire this thing up?
Do you have any words of widsom for me?
I plan to put the alternator on just to pull the water pump.
Set the radiator on something and hook the hoses up.
No thermostat. Radiator full of water.
Hook up a temporary TACH,TERMPERATURE, and OIL PRESSURE guage.
Make sure it has oil
Use the primer tool to pump the oil around before installing the distributor.
Distributor and plug wires on.
fuel pump hooked up with fuel pumping
+ Wire from battery to starter.
- Battery to chassis ground.
+ from battery to coil (on a switch)
coil - to points
The question
What have I missed?
Do I need any more wiring to the starter (or anywhere else) to fire this thing up?
Do you have any words of widsom for me?
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Greer SC
Re: Starting new engine with body off (73Gator)
Exhaust and a rudimentary electrical system (ignition off/on, starter). I ran mine this way to break in the cam. Worked great, but the neighbors weren't too keen on the noise. :)
Keep an eye on the coolant temp if you're not running a fan across the radiator.
-Bill
Keep an eye on the coolant temp if you're not running a fan across the radiator.
-Bill
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa ON
Re: Starting new engine with body off (73Gator)
What about a ballast resistor? You are putting 12 volts to the coil instead of something less. I thought I read in some post or other that this may damage the coil if you run it for a long time???
Steve L
73 coupe since new :confused:
Steve L
73 coupe since new :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 14
From: Lancaster PA
Re: Starting new engine with body off (wbarkley)
I ran mine this way a few years ago to break in the cam and make sure everything was OK. I ran a small belt between the water pump and lower pulley without the alt. I ran complete exhaust system so I could hear the motor in case of unpleasant noises. I also ran a window fan against the radiator for adequate cooling. Do you have a remote starter switch. They are handy for cranking it over. Good Luck, Craig :chevy
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Fort McMurray Albetrta
Re: Starting new engine with body off (73Gator)
Well 73Gator looks like you are 2 steps ahead of me as i will be doing the same in a few weeks.Keep me posted if you find anything out, i will be checking back on this thread. :cheers:
