Minimum (fittings) for Engine Start

[TeZZaP]

I have an engine sitting in my chassis and want to get it running to check it out - what would you think is the minimum 'stuff' needed to get it running - its currently minus manifold, exhaust and distributer, so obviously they need to go back on, I assume I can stick the pipe form the fuel pump into a can of petrol. But what do I need electrics-wise; coil +alternator? I was planning on starting it on the cranking handle, hopefully meaning I won't need a battery in the circuit?

Anyone started an engine with minimum 'bits' bolted back-on?

[Blknight.aus]

absolute bare minimum is

intake manifold
carby with the fuel bowl full
A bucket of oil with a hose going to the oil pump pickup.
A battery (a motor bike battery will do)

Obviously the crank, cam, timing, valves, rockers, pushrods distributor, plugs, head, gasket, sparkplugs, leads, crank boss and flywheel (all the internals) all have to be there and right as well

thats good for about a 30 second run but your better off putting the whole thing back together.

[TeZZaP]

Bugger - I'd forgotten about the carbie! I have an old Solex (plus a kit to refurbish it), or I have an old Strongberg, which again would need to be cleaned up, any ideas which one would be better, or more suited?

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Either carby just for the test run.

If the engine has not been run for a while, you would be advised to take out all the spark plugs, and add a couple or three drops of oil or diesel to each cylinder and turn the engine over with a crank handle. This is to lubricate the rings a little and scrape off any corrosion or build-up in the bore.

Once it turns over freely, then replace the plugs and do your test.

Diana

[Blknight.aus]

well you can get away with using a spray bottle and spritzin petrol into the intake manifold while its cranking over.

but thats risky

[TeZZaP]

well you can get away with using a spray bottle and spritzin petrol into the intake manifold while its cranking over.

but thats risky

That sounds pretty dam dangerous!

[Aaron IIA]

Get a diesel. Then you can run it with no manifolds at all. That way you can see which cylinder (if any) the smoke is originating from.

Aaron.

[Aaron IIA]

You will need a battery to run the coil. I would suggest that if the engine has not been run for a while, or if it is not in absolute tuned up specification, that an electric starter motor will be a lot more productive that a crank handle.

Aaron.