What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

[DeepBlue2010]

All,

I have a 4.3LX stored in my garage for 3 years now. The engine passed inspection by a professional mechanic and was running great before I put it to sleep. I am ready to pick up this project again and want to start this engine but I am worried that all the oil might be dry now after 3 years. What do I need to do to reduce the possibility of damaging the engine if it is really dry at this point?

 

[alldodge]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

Replace impeller. Prime the oil filter if it is dry or low. Check oil level. Pull plugs, squirt some oil in each cylinder. With spark plugs removed crank it over a few times for 20 seconds, then let rest for 5 minutes. Put the plugs back in and crank it up.

Keep water going to outdrive so not to damage impeller

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

Thanks. Will do. I forgot to say that I am planing to start it out of the boat so the drive will not be connected but I will make sure there is a water supply before firing it up. Mery Xmas every one

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

As already stated, the oil in the plug holes is perfect, but I would squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil in there and let it sit a couple of days, first. That stuff can loosen up any rings that may be "stuck" after sitting for so long.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

What about removing the distributor and running the oil pump with a drill. Anyone sees the value of doing this beside everything else that has been stated. I am thinking this will force oil into all the places it should be in prior to firing up. It is the same thing you do before running a freshly built motor.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

What about removing the distributor and running the oil pump with a drill. Anyone sees the value of doing this beside everything else that has been stated. I am thinking this will force oil into all the places it should be in prior to firing up. It is the same thing you do before running a freshly built motor.

Ayuh,... If it trips yer trigger,... Go for it,....

Pullin' the spark plugs, 'n turnin' it over on the starter does the same thing, only Much Easier,....

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

Curious why it's "outta the boat"?

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

Ayuh,... If it trips yer trigger,... Go for it,....

Pullin' the spark plugs, 'n turnin' it over on the starter does the same thing, only Much Easier,....

Thanks Bondo. No, it is not about the urge or eagerness to do it. While injecting oil in the cylinders will protect the rings and cylinder bores, I am worried that the parts that are not covered by the suggested method (bearings – main and rods, lifters, push rods, rocker arms, etc) could be dry by now. That is why I was thinking about priming the block with oil before it runs. It seems like you think this is not an issue which makes me curious to understand how the above mentioned parts will be protected from running dry!

Curious why it's "outta the boat"?

The boat is being restored. It is the restoration thread in my signature.

 

[drolds72]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

If the engine is on a stand, I'd yank the distributor and run the oil pump with a drill. 15-20 minutes tops (assuming you can re-index the distributor on the first shot) and as soon as the drill pulls down, you will know oil is everywhere oil should be.

 

[aerobat]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

i would make an oil + filter change and just fire it up .

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

I am more in the camp of using a drill to prime the oil system, as well as putting a bit of oil into the spark plug holes. Then spin the engine with the plugs out. I'd be concerned about the crank shaft and connecting rod bearings being a bit dry. So, the priming of the oil system would be some peace of mind.

Since you posted on Friday, I am wondering if you started the engine over he weekend.


Remember, we like pics and vids.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

I am more in the camp of using a drill to prime the oil system, as well as putting a bit of oil into the spark plug holes. Then spin the engine with the plugs out. I'd be concerned about the crack shaft and connecting rod bearings being a bit dry. So, the priming of th oil system would be some peace of mind.

This is also what DonS recommended. I did the exact same thing resurrecting a motor that had not been run in 5 years.

 

[DeepBlue2010]

Re: What is the proper way to start an engine after 3 years?

Thanks all for your feedback. I did not start yet but pic and videos will be in my resto thread when the process starts.