I am preparing to start a rebuilt 235 for the first time and I am hoping someone can give me a little guidance on a few questions I have. Let me start by saying that I have never rebuilt an engine or even started a carbureted engine so go easy on me. I have searched through the forum and internet and I think I have the basics (primed oil pump, timing set, valves adjusted, etc. etc.) taken care of but there are a few questions I have not been able to find an answer to.
1) I am using a rebuilt (by UREMCO) Carter YF 2100S. This is untested but its all I have. Should I pre-fill the bowl before trying to start the engine? I have a gas can rigged up to the mechanical fuel pump but I do not know how many engine revolutions it will take to get gas to the carburetor starting with dry lines. I attached a picture of the carb. There is a vent to atmosphere that I assume goes to the bowl. Should I fill through this hole? How much do I need to put in there? Should I braze over this hole when I am ready to put the engine in the truck. It seems like a good way to get a lot of dirt and debris into the carb having that big of a hole. Is that factory? It is also vented to the center of the carb above the choke plate.
2) Can I start the engine and do the 20 minute test run on just a charged battery without a charging system hooked up? My generator is rebuilt and untested as well so I really do want to mess with the generator/regulator during this test run. Do I need to set up a battery charger to trickle charge the battery as its running? Can I leave the generator in place and let it spin from the belt without any wires hooked up to it or will that damage something electronically?
