TheSamba.com :: View topic - Do I Need to Do Anything Else Before Starting my Rebuilt Eng

Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:38 am

I just finished a minor rebuild of my engine, which was mostly just new heads and push rods and tubes. There were some other minor things as well. My question is - I have it back in and am going to start it up tonight, but I want to know if there is anything else I need to do first, other than oil in. Do I need to lube any other parts first? What about the rocker arms or valve springs? Thanks!

Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:57 am

"but I want to know if there is anything else I need to do first," Get a nice cold beer ready, it will help celebrate if all goes well :D or help console if it doesn't. :cry:

Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:09 pm

Thanks! I am very familiar with where the fill hole is for that fluid.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:21 pm

Good time to adjust your valves, replace plugs, plug wires, points, etc.

Hook up your fuel line and put a new filter in line outside of the engine compartment. Hook up the throttle cable. You can connect the heater cables later, just in case you need to back the engine back out. Back off your clutch cable before installing engine and then readjust once it's in.

Just a few things I would do.........Good luck and I hope you get to drink that beer! :wink:

Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:23 pm

Remove the spark plugs and crank it until you get oil pressure, then crank it 10-20 seconds more, then put the plugs back in and fire it up. That will get oil to all the critical parts before the big event.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:24 pm

Thanks!

Thu Nov 19, 2009 3:47 pm

If you have a chicken handy, you might consider sacrificing it. :wink:

Thu Nov 19, 2009 4:42 pm

Hey Scott long time no hear from. Its Todd out in Ca. " Hey Bartender, I think Jobu needs a refill"

Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:47 pm

busdaddy wrote: Remove the spark plugs and crank it until you get oil pressure, then crank it 10-20 seconds more, then put the plugs back in and fire it up. That will get oil to all the critical parts before the big event.

Would removing the coil wire and cranking it have the same effects? Getting ready to do the same with a new/rebuild and was wonderin'

Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:07 pm

AndyM wrote: busdaddy wrote: Remove the spark plugs and crank it until you get oil pressure, then crank it 10-20 seconds more, then put the plugs back in and fire it up. That will get oil to all the critical parts before the big event.

Would removing the coil wire and cranking it have the same effects? Getting ready to do the same with a new/rebuild and was wonderin'

No. The engine will crank much faster without plugs (no compression) and you need engine speed to build oil pressure.

Also, it's a good idea to have the fuel injection disabled as well if you have it because the fuel will wash the oil off the cylinder walls and may foul the plugs. You don't need to worry about this with carbs because no compression = no air flow = no fuel.

Thu Nov 19, 2009 10:47 pm

Additionally, no plugs = no compression and much less load on the bearings before they are nicely lubed.