When can I start my new engine?

[Gmg31]

my engine is a 40 year old brand new Renault federal engine.  At this stage of the project the shell is still in the body shop, the chassis has been fully restored and the engine is now bolted back in.  I have considered starting up the engine to make sure there are no problems before I put the body shell  back on.  I never saw my car with an engine in it but from photos I've seen it looks like I can connect up the exhaust manifold and the carb without obstructing the shell. I'm planning to connect up all the hoses and clamp the radiator onto a bench.

So anything I need to reconsider.

[BDA]

I'm probably forgetting something, but here is my list:

• a safe fuel supply
• connect an oil pressure gauge
• connect the starter to a battery and some way of turning it on
• connect the ignition
• paint a little engine assembly lube - or dab of grease or oil at least - on the valve/rocker interface. If you can get to the cam, that treatment would be good, too
• take out the sparkplugs and crank it till you have oil pressure
• then install the plugs and try to fire it up

Let us know how it goes![/list]

[Gmg31]

I'm so glad I asked. I hadn't thought about the oil pressure gauge. Thanks.

[EuropatcSPECIAL]

did it strike up?

[jbcollier]

Don't use "grease".  It plugs the oil filter.  Assembly lube or oil.

[buzzer]

If the engine has not been run even though it's 40 years old, be aware that cams and followers need to be bedded in otherwise the cam followers can pick up on the cam and ruin the cam. has it been run in? if not you should run the cam in.

Cam run in process.
coat the cam lobes with special cam lubricant (for running in) but don't put this lube down the bores use ordinary oil there
Run the engine 2,500 rpm for 20 min and don't let it idle apart from starting and shutting down.
This is an important process for new cams, you can check this out on cam suppliers website on how to run a cam in.

If you are just starting to check it fires and no bad noises for literally a few seconds then that should be ok.

[Gmg31]

I'm not sure I could do that on the Renault engine as the cam isn't visible.   

[buzzer]

Hmm, not familiar with that engine configuration and  it's the unknown if any running was done with the engine, if it was a std original engine from Renault what was the original run in recommendation for the engine.
A bit of a dilemma
Either you run it to test it and take the risk
Run the cam  in without any special treatment on the cam and take a lower risk but some risk
Or strip it down check it replace seals etc. (assuming it's not been stripped and rebuilt)

[LotusJoe]

I'm not sure I could do that on the Renault engine as the cam isn't visible.

I would recommend taking the spark plugs out and turn the engine over with the starter until the oil pressure light goes out or you see some pressure on the gauge. That should be sufficient for pre-oiling before starting.

[BDA]

Don't use "grease".  It plugs the oil filter.  Assembly lube or oil.

Good point, John. Thanks!

I would add that you should make sure that your oil is appropriate for "flat tappet" motors. These oils have higher levels of zinc or ZDDP. "Modern" oils have reduced levels of zinc because I believe it fouls the oxygen sensors in modern engines. There are also additives you can put in the oil to provide the zinc.