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croSSeduP Samba Member

Joined: June 13, 2004 Posts: 1169 Location: Western Washington State
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Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2025 7:01 pm Post subject: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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I've seen a couple of threads on this, watched a couple YouTube vids (those just confused me), and my question still is unanswered. I have part of a bell housing, a starter, an engine stand, a remote starter switch to turn the starter and start the engine, but what I cannot find the answer to is this: How do you shut the ignition down once the engine has done its run-in? Thanks. _________________ Please check my '67 sedan project progress!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=502253&highlight= |
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Glenn  Mr. 010

Joined: December 25, 2001 Posts: 80387 Location: Sneaking up behind you
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Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2025 7:03 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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Disconnect power to the coil 15 terminal. _________________ Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי |
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croSSeduP Samba Member

Joined: June 13, 2004 Posts: 1169 Location: Western Washington State
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Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2025 7:54 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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| Glenn wrote: |
| Disconnect power to the coil 15 terminal. |
I'm using a CB Magnaspark distributor and coil so unlike a Bosch coil it doesn't have a 15 designation. Also, just pulling a wire off scares me that I might fry my ignition. _________________ Please check my '67 sedan project progress!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=502253&highlight= |
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Brian_e  Samba Member

Joined: July 28, 2009 Posts: 4228 Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
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Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2025 8:40 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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Run a wire from the big battery stud + post on the starter to a regular on/off toggle switch, and then from the other side of the switch to the + side of the coil.
That will keep the wiring simple, and easy to shut off. It will also let you leave the ign. power off, but still crank the the starter to build oil pressure.
Brian _________________ So more or less the lazier and stupider you want to be, the nicer quality parts you need to buy.
-Modok
Narrowed beams, Drop adjustable spring plates, Bus disk brake and IRS kits.
www.type-emotorsports.com
Type E Engine Parts and Supplies
https://type-emotorsports.com/collections/engine-parts |
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croSSeduP Samba Member

Joined: June 13, 2004 Posts: 1169 Location: Western Washington State
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Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2025 11:00 am Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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| Brian_e wrote: |
Run a wire from the big battery stud + post on the starter to a regular on/off toggle switch, and then from the other side of the switch to the + side of the coil.
That will keep the wiring simple, and easy to shut off. It will also let you leave the ign. power off, but still crank the the starter to build oil pressure.
Brian |
Thanks for this. Does the toggle need to be heavy duty? _________________ Please check my '67 sedan project progress!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=502253&highlight= |
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Dale M. Samba Member

Joined: April 12, 2006 Posts: 20895 Location: Just a tiny bit west of Yosemite Valley
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Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2025 11:31 am Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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You don't need the OIL and ALT lamps if you want to fly blind...
Note red lead from dist that goes to coil is the 12 volt supply _________________ “Fear The Government That Wants To Take Your Guns"
"Kellison Sand Piper Roadster" For Street & Show.
"Joe Pody Sandrover" Buggy with 2180 for Autocross (Sold)
============================================================
All suggestions and advice are purely my own opinion. You are free to ignore them if you wish ... |
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Brian_e  Samba Member

Joined: July 28, 2009 Posts: 4228 Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
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Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2025 1:34 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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| croSSeduP wrote: |
Thanks for this. Does the toggle need to be heavy duty? |
No.
Standard hardware store switch will work.
Brian _________________ So more or less the lazier and stupider you want to be, the nicer quality parts you need to buy.
-Modok
Narrowed beams, Drop adjustable spring plates, Bus disk brake and IRS kits.
www.type-emotorsports.com
Type E Engine Parts and Supplies
https://type-emotorsports.com/collections/engine-parts |
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runamoc  Samba Member

Joined: June 19, 2006 Posts: 6394 Location: 37.5N 77.1W
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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2025 8:10 am Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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This stand has both lights, a voltmeter and amp gauge (gauges from HF) Cut the 'bell housing' off a Type 1 transaxle and made a plate to mount stuff on.
Remember, it's just wires
Used 'alligator clips' to connect to the engine
Made this remote starter push button mounted in 1/2"EMT
one of my engines getting ready for an "Out of Body Experience"
_________________ Daily driver: '69 Baja owned 45 yrs - Plan B: '72 Ghia
Yard Art: 2 Sandrails
Outback: '69 Ghia - '68,'69,'70,'72 Beetle - '84 Scirocco, GTI - Pair of '02 Golfs- '80 Rabbit Diesel
VW Wiring = It's just wires |
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EVfun  Samba Member

Joined: April 01, 2012 Posts: 6351 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2025 2:56 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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Zalex makes a start/run control box for engines. It is supposed to work with both 6 and 12 volt, generator and alternator equipped engines. I've only used it with a 12 volt alternator engine. For a little over $100 it is a preassembled solution. This is not a promotion, I'm just a customer. _________________
| Wildthings wrote: |
| As a general rule, cheap parts are the most expensive parts you can buy. |
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Heiferman Samba Member

Joined: February 28, 2024 Posts: 412 Location: Georgia, USA
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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2025 4:58 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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| EVfun wrote: |
| Zalex makes a start/run control box for engines. It is supposed to work with both 6 and 12 volt, generator and alternator equipped engines. I've only used it with a 12 volt alternator engine. For a little over $100 it is a preassembled solution. This is not a promotion, I'm just a customer. |
Pretty penny for that Zalex stuff. _________________ - 1973 Thing, 1970 Ghia, some LandCruisers and an old Ambulance |
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BFB Samba Member

Joined: November 03, 2014 Posts: 3095
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Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2025 6:47 am Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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you dont need to run the alternator, engine doesnt draw enough to need functioning charging system. ive broke in many engines with just a jump box and no charging and can still start and run them many more times in a single day.
for simplicity sake, all you 'need' is jumper cables or a jump box , hot to starter & ground anywhere on the engine case then run a hot wire from the power on the starter to the coil and you can jump the starter solenoid with a screw driver.
to stop it from running, take off the ground. _________________ "how am i supposed to torque the rear wheel nut to 250 ft lbs??? " - clonebug
An interesting thing happens in forums where everyone starts parroting the same thing and "common knowledge" takes over.
Most experts aren't. |
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H2OSB Samba Member
Joined: April 14, 2013 Posts: 1553 Location: Modesto, CA
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Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2025 7:46 am Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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This has probably been said above, but I don't want to read it all. I have power coming into my box then going through a master switch BEFORE going to the starter button, and indeed, the entire set up. Therefore, when I'm done running the engine, I can simply turn off the master switch (but I also have a switch on the wire going to the coil so I can crank the engine with no spark, in order to build oil pressure before firing)
Hope this helps
H2OSB _________________ (o\_i_/o) Funny thing about pigs, they're cleaner than you and me. Well....you. |
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Glenn  Mr. 010

Joined: December 25, 2001 Posts: 80387 Location: Sneaking up behind you
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Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2025 8:02 am Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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| BFB wrote: |
for simplicity sake, all you 'need' is jumper cables or a jump box , hot to starter & ground anywhere on the engine case then run a hot wire from the power on the starter to the coil and you can jump the starter solenoid with a screw driver.
to stop it from running, take off the ground. |
^^^^^
THIS..... KISS
_________________ Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
#BlueSquare
עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי |
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croSSeduP Samba Member

Joined: June 13, 2004 Posts: 1169 Location: Western Washington State
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2025 9:03 am Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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| BFB wrote: |
you dont need to run the alternator, engine doesnt draw enough to need functioning charging system. ive broke in many engines with just a jump box and no charging and can still start and run them many more times in a single day.
for simplicity sake, all you 'need' is jumper cables or a jump box , hot to starter & ground anywhere on the engine case then run a hot wire from the power on the starter to the coil and you can jump the starter solenoid with a screw driver.
to stop it from running, take off the ground. |
Thank you for this. This is what I’m looking for. I do have a remote starter switch so I’ll use that instead of jumping terminals with a screw driver. Sparks created with open fuel sitting right there and all.
I have a battery fully charged, but I’m going to have to crank for oil pressure; after that there’ll still be enough juice to fire the ignition to start? _________________ Please check my '67 sedan project progress!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=502253&highlight= |
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Dale M. Samba Member

Joined: April 12, 2006 Posts: 20895 Location: Just a tiny bit west of Yosemite Valley
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Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2025 12:51 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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| croSSeduP wrote: |
| BFB wrote: |
you dont need to run the alternator, engine doesnt draw enough to need functioning charging system. ive broke in many engines with just a jump box and no charging and can still start and run them many more times in a single day.
for simplicity sake, all you 'need' is jumper cables or a jump box , hot to starter & ground anywhere on the engine case then run a hot wire from the power on the starter to the coil and you can jump the starter solenoid with a screw driver.
to stop it from running, take off the ground. |
Thank you for this. This is what I’m looking for. I do have a remote starter switch so I’ll use that instead of jumping terminals with a screw driver. Sparks created with open fuel sitting right there and all. :shock:
I have a battery fully charged, but I’m going to have to crank for oil pressure; after that there’ll still be enough juice to fire the ignition to start? |
IF you don't have oil pressure in first 20-30 seconds stop cranking and find out why..... Otherwise battery is going to last way into you frustration factor why it wont fire.... _________________ “Fear The Government That Wants To Take Your Guns"
"Kellison Sand Piper Roadster" For Street & Show.
"Joe Pody Sandrover" Buggy with 2180 for Autocross (Sold)
============================================================
All suggestions and advice are purely my own opinion. You are free to ignore them if you wish ... |
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croSSeduP Samba Member

Joined: June 13, 2004 Posts: 1169 Location: Western Washington State
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Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2025 5:07 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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| Dale M. wrote: |
| croSSeduP wrote: |
| BFB wrote: |
you dont need to run the alternator, engine doesnt draw enough to need functioning charging system. ive broke in many engines with just a jump box and no charging and can still start and run them many more times in a single day.
for simplicity sake, all you 'need' is jumper cables or a jump box , hot to starter & ground anywhere on the engine case then run a hot wire from the power on the starter to the coil and you can jump the starter solenoid with a screw driver.
to stop it from running, take off the ground. |
Thank you for this. This is what I’m looking for. I do have a remote starter switch so I’ll use that instead of jumping terminals with a screw driver. Sparks created with open fuel sitting right there and all.
I have a battery fully charged, but I’m going to have to crank for oil pressure; after that there’ll still be enough juice to fire the ignition to start? |
IF you don't have oil pressure in first 20-30 seconds stop cranking and find out why..... Otherwise battery is going to last way into you frustration factor why it wont fire.... |
Yes, I'm aware, but thank you. I have a mechanical oil pressure gauge "T'ed" at the oil pressure light boss. _________________ Please check my '67 sedan project progress!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=502253&highlight= |
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croSSeduP Samba Member

Joined: June 13, 2004 Posts: 1169 Location: Western Washington State
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2025 1:53 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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| BFB wrote: |
you dont need to run the alternator, engine doesnt draw enough to need functioning charging system. ive broke in many engines with just a jump box and no charging and can still start and run them many more times in a single day.
for simplicity sake, all you 'need' is jumper cables or a jump box , hot to starter & ground anywhere on the engine case then run a hot wire from the power on the starter to the coil and you can jump the starter solenoid with a screw driver.
to stop it from running, take off the ground. |
If you can show a simple wiring diagram for this I'd appreciate it. One question: Do I have to have a solenoid? I have a remote starter switch, one of those trigger switch deals you can buy at Autozone. Thanks! _________________ Please check my '67 sedan project progress!
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=502253&highlight= |
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Rob Combs Samba Member

Joined: December 30, 2020 Posts: 829 Location: South Bay LA, California
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2025 3:55 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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Not trying to butt in; just trying to get you a quick answer...
Certainly helps to have a starter solenoid. But you're (probably) in luck - most starters already have the solenoid attached (old Fords excluded).
Borrowed this link from the Gallery:
The small canister made into the side of the starter motor case is the solenoid. The screwdriver in the pic is on the part where you put the positive battery cable. Just run a jumper from there to the positive wire on the coil. As soon as the battery is connected on both terminals (negative to the engine case somewhere) you'll be ready to rock.
The other side that has a braided cable going into the starter is what the solenoid energizes - it goes direct to the motor windings.
There will be a much smaller post on the solenoid (on this starter you can see a small black connector with a spade terminal inside of it); that's your circuit 50 - when it's in the car hooked up normally, the key in the "start" position will energize this small terminal with 12v, which mechanically pulls the internals of the starter solenoid, which pulls down a copper contact ring that connects where your battery cable goes to where the braid is, just on the back side/inside.
You can make a jumper wire to put 12v on that small terminal, which will make the engine crank over, or do as BFB suggests and take a big screwdriver shaft and short it across where the battery cable goes and where the braid goes, WITHOUT touching the starter or solenoid case, and that will have the same effect as energizing circuit 50/small terminal. Be careful if you do this, and expect that your screwdriver might get an electrical arc burn on it. Your parts house starter switch/button will do the same, just connect one wire to the battery positive terminal at the solenoid, and one to where the braid goes to the solenoid. Pushing the botton will be electrically identical to energizing circuit 50/turning the key to the start position.
Add a fuel source and a way to trigger the ignition and you're in business.
Hope this helps! |
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Dale M. Samba Member

Joined: April 12, 2006 Posts: 20895 Location: Just a tiny bit west of Yosemite Valley
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2025 5:51 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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| Rob Combs wrote: |
Not trying to butt in; just trying to get you a quick answer...
Certainly helps to have a starter solenoid. But you're (probably) in luck - most starters already have the solenoid attached (old Fords excluded).
Borrowed this link from the Gallery:
The small canister made into the side of the starter motor case is the solenoid. The screwdriver in the pic is on the part where you put the positive battery cable. Just run a jumper from there to the positive wire on the coil. As soon as the battery is connected on both terminals (negative to the engine case somewhere) you'll be ready to rock.
The other side that has a braided cable going into the starter is what the solenoid energizes - it goes direct to the motor windings.
There will be a much smaller post on the solenoid (on this starter you can see a small black connector with a spade terminal inside of it); that's your circuit 50 - when it's in the car hooked up normally, the key in the "start" position will energize this small terminal with 12v, which mechanically pulls the internals of the starter solenoid, which pulls down a copper contact ring that connects where your battery cable goes to where the braid is, just on the back side/inside.
You can make a jumper wire to put 12v on that small terminal, which will make the engine crank over, or do as BFB suggests and take a big screwdriver shaft and short it across where the battery cable goes and where the braid goes, WITHOUT touching the starter or solenoid case, and that will have the same effect as energizing circuit 50/small terminal. Be careful if you do this, and expect that your screwdriver might get an electrical arc burn on it. , and one to where the braid goes to the solenoid. Pushing thYour parts house starter switch/button will do the same, just connect one wire to the battery positive terminal at the solenoide botton will be electrically identical to energizing circuit 50/turning the key to the start position.
Add a fuel source and a way to trigger the ignition and you're in business.
Hope this helps! |
THE amperage load of starter will smoke the parts house starter switch... Only connect it from "battery" post on solenoid to terminal #50 (push on connector)... _________________ “Fear The Government That Wants To Take Your Guns"
"Kellison Sand Piper Roadster" For Street & Show.
"Joe Pody Sandrover" Buggy with 2180 for Autocross (Sold)
============================================================
All suggestions and advice are purely my own opinion. You are free to ignore them if you wish ... |
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Rob Combs Samba Member

Joined: December 30, 2020 Posts: 829 Location: South Bay LA, California
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Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2025 6:33 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Run-In Stand: WIRING |
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You are correct. Thanks for setting the record straight. Wouldn’t want to be responsible for anyone blowing up their tools, if that’s what they choose to use.
I worked around a few guys that used them, but personally have never used one. I always had too many ways to work around it to spend the money on the tool. For the stuff I used to work on, it was quicker to use the relay I modified specifically for jumpering circuits. |
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