A Few Pre-Start Up Questions

R

rmak

Senior Member
I am getting ready to start up my engine for the first time for me. I believe it's been sitting for at least a year.
I read that it's a good idea to pour the last quart of oil into the distributer hole to lube the valves and top end. Is this only after a rebuild or should I do that? I put in 40 weight dyno oil. Does that sound right?

I assume that I should put ant-freeze in the radiator. The cooling system is dry and the po installed a thermostat in the top hose. How much anti-freeze should I put for the whole system considering that when the thermostat opens I will need to top up with water. I know, dumb question...:o Any particular anti freeze?

Anything else I should do or check?
Thanks!
 
Do not use antifreeze on the initial break-in, use straight water. Yes, pour the last quart in the distributor hole. '30 weight would be better as you want to get it (oil) moving quickly. Lastly, do not try to idle it well initially. Get the rpm's up medium high to get the cam well lubed. When warmed up shut down, let cool and retorque the head.

I made the mistake of trying like the devil to get mine to idle well, not knowing the carb was all screwed up. Ended up gooping up everything with carbon and having to take the valve train apart to clean it due to the resultant sticking valves.

The lesson, don't worry about the idle until your ready to be driving it.
 
If you are going to remove the distributor to pour in some oil, do that before you install any water or antifreeze, since removing a head nut can allow leakage into the cylinder.

I use 6 quarts of antifreeze and 4 quarts of water. I use regular Prestone antifreeze.

If you don't want to pull the distributor, you could remove the 4 spark plugs and crank the engine for several seconds to prime it with oil.
 
After priming the engine and oil gallery with oil down the distributor hole, wind the engine over with the starter for 60 seconds or so, with the ignition off. For first start, DON'T idle too slowly. Keep the revs up and vary the revs up and down for the first 5 minutes at least.
 
I just started my engine for the first time about a week ago. First I removed the sparkplugs and squirted some oil into the cylinders. Then I removed the distributor and poured 0ne quart of oil into the oil galley. Then I put 4 quarts of oil down the filler tube into the pan. With the distributor back in, I checked the timing, set the points, turned on the ignition and checked for spark. With the ignition off I ran the starter for about 15 seconds. Don't forget to fill the radiator. Then I turned the ignition on, pulled the choke and hit the starter. It started right up and made a lot of smoke because of the oil in the cylinders. Once the smoke cleared, I reved it several times to seat the rings. After about 10 minutes I shut it off and retorqued the head. Then I drove it some and once it got up to normal temperature, I retorqued the head again. I let it cool off and retorqued the head again to 55#. I think it's going to be a good one.
 
Thanks, guys. One question I forgot is what kind of gas would I run? Would I use any fuel additive?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top