I'm getting ready for the first start of our newly rebuilt, and I mean completely rebuilt, engine in our newly rebuilt chassis for our speedster project. I've had to add almost everything to this baby; rebuilt engine, starter, generator, fan, Rocky Mountain brakes, Texas T distributor ignition, carburetor, wiring, switch, radiator and hoses, etc. I plan to fill with oil and water and run on the starter for a time to circulate the oil and "run-in" the engine before starting the engine itself (trick I learned working on restoring a B-17 and getting the engines ready). I've not put a water pump on, and had the magneto components removed from the flywheel.
What else should I be doing?
What oil should I use for first start?
I've heard I need to polarize the generator?
I'm planning a "First Start" party with several car guru friends (Model T and A) in attendance and will post pictures here.
Wayne, a new motor can be a real load on a starter. If it's tight, it may pay to drag it around the block a few times behind your modern. Use high gear, and let it loosen up a little first. I had to do this with my last project which relied on me being able to hand crank it!
Hope this helps.
Allan from down under.
If you run on the starter for a time to circulate the oil and "run-in" the engine before starting there is a risk of damaging the starter motor from overheating.
Just fill the crankcase with 1/2 gal of oil thru the filler, then open the inspection cover on the hogshead, and pour the other 1/2 gal into the bands and gears. Most times with a really tight new engine, you can't hand crank easily, but try, then turn it over a few times. But, really with fresh oil into the gizzards, just start up normally.
A good break in oil is any of the modern stuff, won't matter too much. Single weight, non-detergent froths less, and you will change it out soon to good multi weight detergent anyway.
Jack up a rear wheel and chock the front wheels well before you try to crank start the first time. None of my cars have starters and fresh rebuilds can be tough to crank for the first several hundred miles if they were done correctly. If you can get it going with the crank let it run for no more than 5 minutes or until it starts to overheat then shut it off and let it cool off over night. Repeat the process the next day. On the third day let it run until it overheats or for fifteen minutes whichever occurs first. If you can't start it with the crank the first time pull it in high to start but go through the same break in process. After that it should start fairly well with the crank or starter but again when it is cold I would jack up a wheel to make it a bit easier. This has always worked for me and 20 years ago I could always crank to start the first time. Not so these days and it ain't because I rebuild 'em tighter!
Have you removed the magnets?
Did you install oil slingers?
To polarize the generator, disconnect the lead from the cutout and use that lead to give the generator a quick flash from your battery.