Crank the engine without starting it

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Jun 26, 2017 | 10:08 AM

vracer99

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Crank the engine without starting it

I'm doing prep on a 1985 Vette that hasn't been started in several years. I've lubed the cylinders with MMO and hand rotated the engine. Now I want to crank the engine over without starting it. I've pulled the fuel pump fuse. As extra insurance should I also disconnect the "BAT" plug from the distributor? Any other suggestions would also be helpful.

Jun 26, 2017 | 10:22 AM

383vett

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From: moraga ca

You're fine with the fuel pump fuse pulled. The injectors won't be squirting. Whether or not you have spark doesn't matter.

Last edited by 383vett; Jun 26, 2017 at 10:22 AM.

Jun 26, 2017 | 01:08 PM

slow-vette

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If you have MMO in the calendars I would suggest taking the spark plugs out. That eliminates any risk of hydro lock from the oil. Makes sure that it won't start and lets the engine spin faster and easier to build oil pressure.

Jun 26, 2017 | 02:14 PM

vracer99

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Thanks slow-vette and also 383vette for your answers. I did spin the engine with the plugs pulled to blow out the MMO and avoid any possible hydro lock and to build oil pressure easier. I did not however pull the distributor and pre-lube the upper valve train. Too difficult to get the distributor out. Also too involved to pull the valve covers and do it that way. Just too much stuff in the way for either method. I'm hoping everything will be ok skipping this step. Why can't the engineers design stuff to be simple to work on like in the old days. Now you have to take half the car apart just to get to the part you want to work on.

Jun 26, 2017 | 02:20 PM

slow-vette

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You should be fine. I just helped my Brother in Law resurrect an 85 we found in a field. We did the same thing. Rolled the engine over until it built good oil pressure. Then waited and cranked it again for another 15 seconds to make sure that everything moved around as it should. Then we put it all back together swapped out the tank and fuel pump and filters then she fired right up on fresh gas. It hasn't missed a beat yet.

Jun 26, 2017 | 08:14 PM

vracer99

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Hope my situation goes that good. Vette has been stored inside so maybe everything will go smoothly. I'll post here if any future problems.

Jun 26, 2017 | 09:40 PM

belairbrian

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From: Central Alabama

When I built the 355 for my 54 belair, I wanted to pump oil everywhere before cranking it over.

I went to the junk yard and bought an old distributor for 10 bucks. took the drive gear off and stripped the top down so I could clamp a drill chuck on. Stuck it in and spun it to drive the oil pump. Sill have it in my special tools box.

Jun 27, 2017 | 05:47 AM

gerardvg

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From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Quote:

Originally Posted by belairbrian

I used a long screwdriver, removed distributor cut the handle off my long screwdriver and used my cordless drill to drive the oil pump and prime everything with oil. then turned engine over by hand a few times before refitting the distributor and starting the car.

They do have a tool for that purpose, click the link below.