TheSamba.com :: View topic - What to check before turning the key for the first time?

Tue Apr 03, 2012 11:42 am

I have been building a 1974 Super for a little while now.

I am looking, and have searched for a Check List on what to look for before turning the key the first time? Really don't want a fire, or my project to go Poof.

If there is a link, or anywhere someone can point me to or even help me, I am just a little nervous to turn the key. I have zero help from anyone so will have a few fire extinguishers ready. Hope they are not needed.

What I have replaced so far:

Brakes, everything there is new. Finally Bled them.
Fuel lines replaced
Re packed the front and rear wheel bearings
Wiring looks stock and in good shape.
Installed motor and dual Kadron's last night

Just nervous as a criminal in court trying to turn the key.

Any help is always appreciated.

Tue Apr 03, 2012 12:14 pm

If it's a brand new engine, or has sat for a very long time, pull the coil wire (so it won't start) and crank the engine to build up sufficient oil pressure. Then replace that, and start it up.

Go slow until you've fully checked out the brakes - but you knew that already.

Tue Apr 03, 2012 12:15 pm

Is the engine new, or previously run?

If it were me, I would push the car out of the garage and have a helper standing by with a fire extinguisher just in case. No helper? Hop out and run back there asap to look for fuel leaks.

I would disconnect the green wire from the coil and crank the engine until the oil pressure light goes out; then re-connect.
You might consider filling the carburetor bowls with a little gas (with a tiny funnel through the float bowl vents) so the engine has fuel to run until the fuel pump starts pumping.

Take a final look and let 'er rip. Don't earn your log in name, Smokey!
Good luck, Mondshine

Tue Apr 03, 2012 12:19 pm

Also check if it's in neutral, ask my friend why you should always make sure it's not in reverse when your helper is checking for leaks. :oops:

Tue Apr 03, 2012 12:22 pm

Make sure it has oil in the engine and tranny :)

Tue Apr 03, 2012 12:25 pm

As posted , take coil wire off , crank a few times check lines for any leaks ,...doble check everything

Tue Apr 03, 2012 1:38 pm

This is why I love this site!!!

I would of never thought of taking the coil wire off before trying to start it.

I am using the engine out of my wrecked 72 Super. Replaced the fuel pump with a alternator type, which left my head scratching.

On my old Generator type fuel pump, the push rod was shorter than the one I got with my Alternator fuel pump.
The Generator fuel pump rod was a little rounded off at the pointy end, which had me going back to the parts store. They measured it and they did give me the correct Push rod to begin with.

So what would make my Generator push rod shorter in time from being used?

I am pretty sure the Alternator push rod is supposed to be shorter than the Generator style. Please correct me if I am wrong.