The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Starting Rebuilt Engine

Hey Guys,
I just finished rebuilding my 216 and I'm ready to start it for the first time. Can anyone give me a checklist of procedures to go through before turning her over. I know I have to prime the oil lines, so if anyone can tell me the procedure for this as well, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

The best way to prime the oil circuit is to drive the oil pump with an electric drill and a screwdriver tip. Run the oil pump until you get oil to the rocker arms. You can get the same result if you crank the engine long enough, but that gets the starter pretty hot and is not the best way to prime the system.

When you install the distributor after priming the oil system, make sure you have the initial timing set as close as you can get it: number 1 cylinder at TDC on compression, pointer aligned with the flywheel ball and the points just breaking.

If you can fill the carburetor with gasoline, that will help, but a few strokes of the fuel pump usually is sufficient to fill the carburetor. If I were there, I would pour a small amount of gasoline into the intake manifold, but I'm not there, so I'm reluctant to advise that step.

As a pre-start check list, check all your fuel and oil line connections for tightness; don't rely on memory or someone else's word on that. Make sure the radiator is full, and the fan belt is properly installed, although you can run the engine briefly without the cooling system. Check the distributor and spark plug wiring order. It isn't uncommon to get the wrong firing order.

Regardless of what you do for starting, make sure you have a working fire extinguisher handy, and watch for fuel and oil leaks when the engine starts. Both are common, regardless of how careful you are.

Hope this helps.

Harvester

Thanks so much, Harvester. This is very helpful! Is teflon tape necessary for all fuel/ oil connections?

Teflon tape is alright, but not necessary if the fittings are in good shape. It is best used on pipe threads, but again, not necessary if the threads are good.

Harvester

Thanks again, Harvester.

Gatsby46

these are pretty cheap to find and make from an old crappy dist drive for a drill to operate, also

http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/1951otter/?action=view&current=0A-2.jpg
http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/1951otter/?action=view&current=1A-3.jpg

All you need is spark, compression and fuel. We're going to assume compression due to fresh rebuild. Best way I've found to set timing is to set pointer to 0, then use dial back light set to desired timing, turn distributor til it lights up. Fuel should be there within a few revolutions of the engine, look for a squirt down the carb when you move the linkage.

Devin

I would suggest setting the timing pointer to the "UDC" triangle which is very near the ball and is upper dead center. This can make a big difference. Also your 216 will want lots of choke on starting.

Thanks everyone for the helpful info. One last question (hopefully) - what is the minimum amount of wiring I have to do before attempting to start the engine (battery to starter...)? And, this might me a dumb question, but if I'm lucky enough to get her going, what's the best/ easiest way to cut her off (choke)? I'm a first timer, so please bare with me. And, where can I find a cheap timing light?

Thanks
Gatsby46

Gatsby46,

A good battery connected properly and a single wire running to the + side of the coil will get her running. To shut it down, pull the wire from the coil. If you want to get sophisticated, put a ON/OFF toggle switch in the wire to the coil.

Stuart