Starting Process & Coolant for a 1932 901

Posted by Marty or Marston On 2016/5/27 15:23:56

I'm getting close to where I can start the beast up. The engine was rebuilt by the previous owner and he started it briefly (about 6 plus years ago). Over the years that I've had the car, I've shot oil in the cylinders and turned it over by hand using the hand crank takeoff on the crankshaft (spark plus removed) . I was thinking about using a large electric drill motor to turn the engine over via the hand crank takeoff to get some oil flowing before actually starting it. I'm interested in what others think about this approach and how many times should it turn over. Also, will I be able to see any oil pressure?

I plan on filling the radiator after I know I can get it started (I'll only let it run without coolant a for less than a minute). What should the radiator hoses and clamps look like to be period correct (a Napa P/N would be great)? I have a question as to what others use for coolant. I was thinking 1:1 antifreeze and thought I would put in some DCA4, which is a anti corrosion additive recommended by Cummins for their diesel engines.

All thoughts and other approaches welcomed and would be greatly appreciated.