Engine; Start Up

[Flathead 1930]

I just picked up my 1950 Mercury flathead from the engine builder. In the paper work I received was an informational sheet from Speedway Motors. Please read the outlined box "Starting The Engine" and explain to me why one would not add coolant (water) to the coolant system prior to starting the engine. I tried to call Speedway, but the techs were gone for the weekend.

Thanks for any information!
Ray

 

[Fordestes]

My opinion is I don't start any water cooled engine without coolant , the combustion chamber temps rise very quickly and once i start one I let it run as long as everything is ok (no leaks etc.) the cam has to run at least 30 min. to avoid damage and what the heck will it hurt to run it with coolant?
I also load one up as soon as possible to seat the rings, I have reworked many engines for oil consumption with rings that have lost their tension from excessive heat, when the rings are damaged you can take the damaged ring and twist it like a rubber band without breaking it , even an old worn out ring will snap from twisting it if it hasn't been overheated, too costly for me to do it the way the paper describes, as a teenager we would run garden hose to the water inlets and let it run out on the ground , no way I would do it in this day and time, I wised up a little in my arthritis years.
Just my .02 cents.
Fordestes

 

[JM 35 Sedan]

Maybe Speedways logic is....with coolant the engine will not get to the heat level they feel is necessary before the first re-torque of the head nuts or bolts. However, this is the first time I have ever heard of this no coolant start up procedure. Maybe someone like JWL will chime in on this one with his best recommendations. If he doesn't you could always pm or email him.

 

[41LjH]

Had the same concern when I started my 8BA a couple of months ago. I was able to talk to the techs at Speedway. I was told that was the way Bill Smith did it. Speedway also said to torque the new Offenhauser heads to 40 pounds. Offenhauser said torque to 60!
I filled the system with distilled water torqued to 60 and fired it up. Ran in for 20 minutes at 2000 RPM. So far everything is fine.
Hope that helps you.

 

[Cecil/WV]

Years ago, we always started the engine and then immediately slowly filled it up with water. I seemed to prevent air pockets if it was circulating as it was filled. After everything checked out OK, then drain and fill with coolant, if desired. Never a problem.