The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop starting an engine on a stand

Hey guys,

I searched this topic and didn't come up with anything. I want to start my '60 235 c.i. motor before putting it in my truck. I had an old camaro subframe so I mounted the engine in that for a good stable base. What should the electrical hookup be on this? I was told the following: pos. battery terminal to starter post, neg. battery post grounded to block, then a 10 or 12 guage wire from pos. side of battery to pos. side of coil. Then arc the terminals on the starter to turn over the engine. This correct? If not..what is the correct way to SAFELY do this? Thanks guys!

arcing the terminals with a screwdriver is an acceptable emergency technic, but it burns the threads/nuts. get a remote starter switch from a suppy house. they usually come in timing kits. and they're much handier when doing comp tests/
'bumping' the starter and for adjusting valves

Thanks for the info....I actually have a starter switch in the garage. How are those hooked up? I have a black and red teminal with alligator clips. Just wondering where each goes. THanks.

how about a ballast resister for the power supply going to the coil?

For general start ups, a remote switch on the starter is just fine. No ballast required on the points. If this is a rebuild, you want it to start asap so all the voltage you can give it is better. I start all my engines before sending them out. I have a test stand made just for it. Don't forget the oil gauge, and temp gauge. Use a garden hose hooked to the heater hose inlet, you can vary the water flow according to how hot the water is coming out the top of the thermostat if you are not using a radiator. engine will set dead solid when running due to no torque against the flywheel. You can set then on tires and fire it right up. Its pretty cool how fast the rev with out transmission on them!

1) You need (+) to the the coil, aligator clip leads work for this

2) You need (+) and (-) to starter, large cables for this, (-) to starter bolt is ok

3) aligator clip leads with push button for starter, one lead to (+) on batt, and one to the (S) terminal on the starter.

Joe

Thanks for the help! One question...though...I run both positive and negative to the starter? Positive goes to the terminal bolt as usual...Negative goes where? I just wanna get this right! Thanks again! We'll see how she runs real soon!

Negative goes to the mount bolts of the starter, or the manifold, or the block.

When you start it, don't over rev the engine without a load.

I see, thanks again!