Re: Starting a 10 year stored engine

Posted by PackardV8 On 2008/7/10 20:31:04

When turning the engine over by hand to see if it is not stuck be sure to turn it AT LEAST TWO full turns. I usualy do about 6.

If the carb is questionable u can use a lighter fluid can with gasoline in it and keep the engine running a long time just to hear for knocks or other problems. THEN address the carb. This method IS DANGEROUS if there is a backfire so stand back holding the can just at right angles to the air horn squirting a little at a time.

Be sure all vacuum lines are disconnected and the ports are plugged otherwise leaks may cause it difficult to start.

BE SURE to install a mechanical oil pressure gauge directly onto the engine where u can see it. I usualy disconnect all of the belts from the generator and power steering etc. U can runn the engine 3 to 5 minutes without coolant but no more than 5 minutes to be on the safe side.

Once u're happy with the engines first start and sound then address the carb, coolant etc. Otherwise u put alot of work into carbs and radiators and so forth and mite wind up with a big rod knock or something.

BE SURE TO USE A MECHANICAL oil pressure gauge mounted directly at the engine so u can see it during the first start up.

BE sure that the exhaust is not plugged with varmint nests etc. I have yet to start an engine that has set for more than a year without blowing a mouse nest out of it on start up. I had an m/c engine several years ago with mud dobbers nests in it that i couldn't see. Worked and Kicked on it for a week before i removed the exhaust. First kick after removing exhaust it started and ran like a new bike.