The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop start a 216 engine

how can i find out if the engine will start? its out of the truck.what do i need to do?

Air chevy

1. A mount to hold it steady. There is significant torque, it need so be very stable.
2. Battery with cable to the starter and ground to engine block
3. Wire from battery to the coil
4. Radiator and hoses with 1/2 antifreeze and 1/2 water.
5. Exhaust pipe and muffler
6. Fuel source. I used a funnel on an stand connected to the fuel line.

I started mine many times mounted on the frame with just the basics. To stop it just disconnect the wire to the coil.

Good luck
Rich

Just wanted to add for safety sake, make sure your fuel supply won't leak or get away from you. I know from experience a little gas and a little spark make big fire!

Thank You guys,im going outside to try it.thanks. by the way do I need a 12v or 6v

If I hook up the + wire to the starter and the - to the block.should the engine aleast try to crank?I tryed it and nothing happend.

Yes, it should crank. Does the starter turn if you only push on the contact button under the shift lever? If not, make sure your connections are good. If yes, does the starter turn without turning the engine when you try a normal start? If yes, the starter drive may be slipping and needs to be replaced. If no, maybe the starter needs to be repaired. You can look at the motor brushes and commutator if you take off the inspection band from the front of the starter. The commutator should be clean and shiney. If it isn't, the starter should be repaired.

Six or 12 volts are alright, but don't leave the ignition wire connected when the engine is not running if you are using 12 volts.

Harvester

I assume this is a foot pedal starter. Are you pushing the starter lever down to contact the button?

When you push the lefer down it engages the starter gear to the flywheel and makes contact with the button which energizes the starter motor. As harvester said above there are a few test to try to resolve this.

Do you get anything out of the starter? If you get a hum like it is jambed check to see if the engine will turn by hand.

Also, as an adjunct to to my first response above I also hooked up my oil pressure and temp gauges to be sure oil and water were ok.

Yesterday when I tried cranking the engine I didn't push the starter peddle.that's why nothing happend.Today after reading what you guys wrote.I tried again,and it cranked.slow but it cranked.I dont know if the 216 is good or not,but it looks good.I cant start it because I just dropped the engine on the new frame.I dint have a radiator yet.also I'm trying to get the tranny out of gear.no luck yet. Thank you guys for the help.

The dummy tank I have always used is off a push mower (plastic type) with a shut off valve in line. Old IV stands from a thrift store or junk shop are great to hold that tank. The height is adjustable and if not high enough can be modified. That way you never have your dummy tank over the motor....in case of fire.

The slow cranking may be because it is in gear. But it cranks which is good. These old 216 are pretty rugged. My was idle many years and all I changed was the points and condenser to get her running.

Good luck
Rich

How can i get it out of gear?The trannys stick shift cover is off.i can see inside it ,but don't know how to put it in neutral.

I am no expert on unsticking trannys but Have you tried to pull the cluch back? There is a lever on the driver side of the bell housing. If you pull that back about 1 1/2 inches and see if the tranny will dissengage. You shouldn't have to clutch to get it out of gear but then again it shouldn't be stuck.

I once got a car for free because the owner could not get it out of gear. He just wanted to get it out of his driveway. I pulled it onto a trailer and brought it to my shop. I adjusted the cluch and it popped right out of gear. I frove it for 2 years then gave the motor to my brother ot put in my sister's car.

I don't know if it was the adjustment or pulling it onto the trailer in gear that freed it.

Good luck
Rich

Ok, I got the tranny out of gear and into nutral.Installed a new coil,sparkplug wires.The starter does turn the engine it cranks very slow, I noticed the carb was leaking gas.I need to rebild it.How can I get this 216 started?

#1: Solve the carb issue. If it's leaking gas you most likely have a sticking needle valve or crud keeping the needle from seating. #2 Clean all grounds. Clean where the battery cables connect to the battery and vehicle. Clean where the starter grounds to the bell housing. Clean connections are critical. #3: Make sure the starter is good, test it if in doubt. #4: Make sure you have a good battery. I'm assuming you have the point set correctly and good spark at the plugs. If all that's kosher there's no reason for the engine to not start.

What about the slow cranking?Is that a carb or stater problem?The engine is mounted on the frame.

Read my post the slow cranking is addressed in #s 2,3 and 4.