Can I start the engine?

stangman16 · Feb 24, 2008

Without the clutch or trans in place? I'm finishing up the wiring for the EFI in my '66 and would like to verify that it runs good before I put the fenders back on & etc. Just shortening wiring and making it look pretty right now.

krash kendall · Feb 24, 2008

I have run a motor without a trany for the same reason you are asking. I do not know if it recommended though. To be safe you may want to make sure the exhaust is hooked up and mounted well to prevent the engine from rolling on the mounts excessively. Also I would hesitate on the urge to rev it up.

stangman16 · Feb 24, 2008

krash kendall said:
I have run a motor without a trany for the same reason you are asking. I do not know if it recommended though. To be safe you may want to make sure the exhaust is hooked up and mounted well to prevent the engine from rolling on the mounts excessively. Also I would hesitate on the urge to rev it up.

Thank you - & I'll not rev it up. (think you were reading my mind there! hehe)

danny clemens · Feb 24, 2008

If the flexplate or flywheel is on you should be OK to go.

Rusty67 · Feb 24, 2008

I'm going to assume this is a first start since it has been rebuilt or the first start in a very long time. Yank the distributor and prime the oil pump before you start the thing. Also, as previously stated you need a flywheel or flex plate on the thing. Bolt a bellhousing to the motor and put the starter in and you can start it like normal. You might want to put a jack stand on the bellhousing with a block of wood. Also, connecting an exhaust system as suguested earlier is almost manditory.

krash kendall · Feb 24, 2008

danny clemens said:
If the flexplate or flywheel is on you should be OK to go.

I think this is a given, otherwise it would be a real pain with no ring gear for the starter to engage.

The reason I mentioned the rocking on the motor mounts, is because my fan is very close to the top rad hose input. You want to make sure you don't do an unexpectant coolant flush.

danny clemens · Feb 24, 2008

krash kendall said:
I think this is a given, otherwise it would be a real pain with no ring gear for the starter to engage.

Yeah, but maybe he was gonna hook a recoil starter up on it off of a lawn mower.

I guess I was thinking about the balance and not the obvious.

stangman16 · Feb 25, 2008

I think the last time it ran was in September 2007. I took it out to paint the engine bay & to help hide the EFI & engine bay wiring. Plus I got the case of "while your at it" and painted the block, etc. Half tempted to cough up the cash and coat the headers...

Yes, flywheel is on and I didn't even think about priming it!

Edbert · Feb 26, 2008

You think the exhaust controls engine movement that much? I'm not saying it doesn't, it just seems that they would not prevent the engine from moving unless it was resting on the motor mounts without being bolted down. The exhaust is hung on flexible hangars and they are free hanging all the way from the headers to the backseat.

Just how close to the fan is your hose?

Rusty67 · Feb 26, 2008

The reason I say connecting an exhaust is basically manditory is that you don't want to run a motor without a proper system hooked up. It isn't good for the motor or your ears. Also, you may not be able to hear something that is wrong with the motor if you don't have an exhaust setup on it.

Edbert · Feb 26, 2008

Okay, I'm with you 100%. I'm trying to rig up something for mine when I start her up here soon. As she sits with open headers...the neighbors will be calling the police during break-in. I have hearing protection, but you're right about wanting to hear anything that may be amiss as well.

Rusty67 · Feb 26, 2008

It should be fairly cheap to do. Buy some cheapie mufflers and just have and exhaust shop set them up to be bolted onto the manifolds. I've got an engine start stand (my friend is barrowing it at the moment) and I need to have some cheap mufflers setup to be bolted onto the motor for test starts myself.

krash kendall · Feb 26, 2008

Edbert said:
You think the exhaust controls engine movement that much? I'm not saying it doesn't, it just seems that they would not prevent the engine from moving unless it was resting on the motor mounts without being bolted down. The exhaust is hung on flexible hangars and they are free hanging all the way from the headers to the backseat.

Just how close to the fan is your hose?

I'm talking about front to back rocking. A well mounted exhaust system with collectors (not doughnuts) that runs the length of the car provides ample support in my experience. The engine is basically an uncaged gyroscope if only supported by the two engine mounts. The exhaust works as a third point.

But we are spitting hairs anyway, because the motor is not meant to run in this manner. So, whatever works.

And Edbert, I am lucky if I can fit my little finger between my fan blade and the top outlet of the rad.

Can I start the engine?

stangman16

Active Member

krash kendall

Active Member

stangman16

Active Member

danny clemens

Member

Rusty67

krash kendall

Active Member

danny clemens

Member

stangman16

Active Member

Edbert

Rusty67

Edbert

Rusty67

krash kendall

Active Member

Similar threads

Can I start the engine?

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

Member

Active Member

Member

Active Member

Active Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency