The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Going over the 216

Hello,I have a 1947 216 engine.I am trying to see if its good.I've put a batt to the starter and grounded to the block,and it crancked slowly.I changed out the spark plugwires,coil.What else should I do?Thanks

If it hasn't been started for a long time the pistons might be binding a little. Add a little oil to each cylinder thru the spark plug hole and let it sit for a couple of days. maybe that will loosen it up some. But, don't bet it doesn't need a rebuild.

Before you did all that, did you pull the plugs and squirt some oil into the cylinders? You can spin it by hand or with the starter. It should turn freely.
I would also pull the valve cover and see if all is well up there and it is getting oil. These engines with 6volt dont turn over fast like a more modern engine. Keep us advised.
Mark

Make sure the battery cables are the correct size for a 6 volt system. If they are too small the engine will crank slow.

Also, you might consider removing the distributor and spinning up the oil pump (with screw driver blade in drill motor) until you see oil at the valve train. Spin the oil pump clockwise.

I pulled the plugs and cleaned them,but I did'nt put any oil in the holes.I'll do that and get back to you guys.Thanks oh ya Im using a 12 volt batt.Is that ok? Also I'll pull the cover off to take a look .Thanks again.

For short "bursts" 12 volts is OK especially if your just spinning it briefly with no plugs in the motor. Any long duration use of a 6 volt starter, ie cranking and cranking because it won't start using a 12 volt battery will burn it out.

I think a 6 volt starter will not be harmed at all using it with 12 volts. It is common practice at least in the antique tractor world to keep the 6 volt starter when switching a system to 12 volts. Have not heard of any failures.

If you have a 6V solenoid on your starter, you might want to change the solenoid to 12V.

Personally, I never crank any starter motor more than 10 secs or so before allowing a little cool down time. I think continuous crank is not good for any starter. 'Course that's just my opinion.

Kurt

mine too!

A 30-second cranking effort needs a 20-minute cooldown, according to the Delco-Remy field engineers who used to teach at the GM training centers. Of course, anybody who will run a starter for 30 seconds of continuous cranking is a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic!
Jerry