Quick question - 1600cc engine bench start

[markeaton]

Gents-

I have just completed (well, by this weekend anyway) my first ever engine rebuild. Lots of great advice here for sure.

Now I would like to start it before I put back in ... at least this is what I have seen some people do.

I do not have a spare trans case to put the starter/solenoid in as part of that process. So I guess my question is:

1- is there a way to bench start it without attaching the starter to a case
2 - or, is there really any compelling reason to even bench start it; meaning why not just put back in and start it?

Thank you,
Mark

[busman78]

Bench starting makes easy access to the engine, adjustments, any issues you do not have to take the engine back out, more of a convenience than anything else. You pretty much need a way to mount the starter, whacked off bell housing, or the bell housing from either a 002 or 091 bus will work, the 091 will need the 091 starter, or one of those welded starter holder which scare the hell out of me.

[markeaton]

Thanks busman.... i just texted on of my other vw buddies here on the seacoast and he does not have any spare bell housing.... I might call around to junk yard.

[turbotype1]

PM sent.....
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[Dale M.]

A VW bus bellhousing is ideal for bench start..... But in absence of that just install it and keep fingers crossed.... About only adjustments you need to do during or after test run is mayb check valve lash and a fiddle a bit with carb....

With bellhousing you will need starter also, which means pulling one out of vehicle or getting "extra" one, and a battery and ground cable and a hot wire to coil....

At some point the bench start method gets a bit more complex to setup and maybe not worth the investment if it's only a one time operation...

For me, bellhousing plus starter (and cables) was $10 investment from fellow getting out of VW world.... Engine build/run stand was fabbed up out of old exercise machine pulled off scrap pile....

Total investment here maybe $20....

Personally If I did not have a good bench run setup and money may be issue, just install it in vehicle...

Dale
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“Fear The Government That Wants To Take Your Guns" - Thomas Jefferson.

"Kellison Sand Piper Roadster" For Street & Show.
"Joe Pody Sandrover" Buggy with 2180 for Autocross (Sold)
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All suggestions and advice are purely my own opinion. You are free to ignore them if you wish ...

[markeaton]

Nice set up there Dale... Something to consider (as I am taking delivery tomorrow of my next project 1973 bug sedan)... hoping to continue "collecting" ha-ha

Just connected with turbotype1 (Pete). He has graciously offered his for me to use in my test.

Thanks all !

[Cusser]

[markeaton]

Well just met Pete and picked up the spare housing. Great guy and great shop.

Crossing my fingers for a successful start on Saturday.

Thanks all !!!

[turbotype1]

Small world.... Mark works within walking distance from my shop.

Good to meet you and good luck on Saturday....
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[markeaton]

Gents-

Well, I was hoping to bench start (floor start really) my 1600.

One of my co-workers had previous engagement so no-go today and might need to postpone for nearly 2 weeks.

I'm thinking I'd like to try on my own. So I wanted to know if anyone knows of a diagram that shows me how to hook up the electrical part of it, i.e battery, starter, switch, etc.

I know I needs gas to the carb and all, its just the electrical part is not my strength

Thanks,
Mark

[Glenn]

Battery negative tot he case.

Battery positive to the starter
Battery positive to the positive side of the coil. There should also be a wire from the positive side of the coil to the idle shutoff and choke on the carb.

_________________
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

[markeaton]

Thank you Glenn. I will rig something up tomorrow to try it.

I did up getting the CB Performance MagnaSpark Distributor and Coil (its flat unlike the usual round ones). But it of course does have a neg and pos to it.

Thank you,
Mark

[Glenn]

[markeaton]

Ha-ha... I think so... But Dave over there at CB has rebuild three of them and convinced me it would be a nice upgrade. This is for my 74 buggy.

Here is my next project that just got dropped off yesterday, 73 std beetle. Mostly an interior re-work.

Thanks again.

[Glenn]

Does the engine have a stock 34PICT-3 carb or dual carbs?
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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

[markeaton]

The one I am working on now (for my 74 dune buggy) does have a 34pic.

[Glenn]

[turbotype1]

[Glenn]

[markeaton]

Well, we got it to build oil pressure no problem. Tuesday night we will fuel it and turn it over.

I did have another question: I bought new gauges from CB. The oil pressure gauge I got is electric now.

I know I'm missing something (a part) and I plan to call CB today, but how do I block the oil pressure valve and check it electronically to the gauge?

Thank you,
Mark