Starting Engine For The First Time

[jaystang50]

I'm finally going to be getting my engine started here shortly, but I have a few concerns to address first. The engine has been sitting for a few years so I want to make sure I'm taking all the appropriate steps first. What would you all recommend I do? I've spun the distributor periodically to get oil pumping through the motor, but have not cranked the engine at all. Should I squirt some oil in cylinders before doing anything? Any other precautions to take?

I appreciate any help you could provide...thanks!

 

[mwood]

My motor build took me a couple years. I assume you used a good assemply lube? Turned the motor by hand using a 1/2 braker bar? Double checked all torque settings? Double checked rocker gaps? Checked all clearences? I assume you have an expert there to go over everything when you start? Just a few thoughts.

 

[stykthyn]

is the engine on a stand or in the car?

 

[gt40_2003wes]

My motor build took me a couple years. I assume you used a good assemply lube? Turned the motor by hand using a 1/2 braker bar? Double checked all torque settings? Double checked rocker gaps? Checked all clearences? I assume you have an expert there to go over everything when you start? Just a few thoughts.

dunno about him or where you are from but finding assembly lube here is a very hard thing to do autozone says they don't carry it anymore so does advanced and carquest

 

[stykthyn]

order it. ARP assy lube is worth its weight in gold and absolutely necessary to acheive proper torque values.

 

[oldfox]

Go to a boat place they use it for all kinds of stuff

 

[Wildstringer]

I bought my car, drove it for a year, and then took it off the road. knowing that it could be years before I drove it again I took steps to protect my fresh short block. I used a large heavy duty plastic bag with a tie, coated it with penetrating oil. Also like clock-work I remove the bag and turn the engine over a few times once a week. Of course mine is on a stand. This doesn't help you a lot though since you are to the point of getting ready to start the engine not store it. I would spray some oil in the cylinders, turn it over by hand and use a drill to spin the oil pump. I suggest welding an old socket to a rod or some all thread to keep from losing the socket in the engine. You could also use an old distributor with the cam gear removed.

 

[jaystang50]

I've primed the oil pump and sprayed some oil into the cylinders. After letting it sit for a couple of hours, I cranked it over by hand and everything seemed to turn rather smoothly. I'm hoping that I can get this thing fired up soon and start enjoying my stang again.