Initial startup this weekend!!!

Some say to use straight water (demineralized?) on initial engine startup and drain some later to add the antifreeze. Anyone know why and is this necessary. Also Im going to have a hard time running my engine for 15 minutes at 2000-2700 rpms to bed in the crane cam while setting still. Is this even before the engine has warmed up some!! The starup is coming soon as all I have to do is put the radiator and shroud in. Any other comments on the normal (Pull Ht lead until oil pressure, ect.)initial startup checklist would be appreciated!!! TIA

Oh Yea! Still having fun, and still sore as hell.



Post Edited (03-04-05 05:24)

COOL! Firing it up for the first time is VERY exciting! I've never heard of the water thing. Just turn it over with the starter with the coil pulled to get the oil pressure up before you crank it up. It took longer than I expected and those were a few nervous seconds!

It won't be hard to run it at those RPM's, they will go by pretty quick, plus a huge grin will be on your face!!! More than likely your idle won't be set any way and it will want to run fast. Mine did. Just don't keep it at a constant RPM, idle it up and down.

Also, It will smoke abit as it burns off all the assembly lube in the head and cyclinders.

ENJOY! That is real fun!

The only reason I could think of for not using antifreeze at initial startup is the possibility of leaks- it's a lot easier to clean up water than antifreeze. Safer if you have pets around too.
Yes, keep the rpms up for 15 minutes or so right away. You DID coat the cam/lifters liberally with assembly lube, right?

Yes, the crane lube liberally on the cam and lifters, and extra assembly lube on the lifters and pushrods.

Really looking forward to it John after all the hard work on od tranny, engine, engine bay, and carburators, as you well know!

Hi: Gary, Congratulations , your on the final count-down, Make sure the oil pump is primed , Have an article here says you should hand turn engine in reverse to aid in priming of pump.

Ron-c

I filled it full of petroleum jelly so maybe that'll help!! Also put oil in the galleries and will fill the oil cooler and lines. Cant wait!!

i can't remember why but when i first fire a rebuilt engine i don't inst~~~ the thermostat and fill with the water hose and when it goes down after running i turn the water on slowly with it in the radiator so it will stay cool. i let it run this way for the 20 minutes of fast idol. after that change the oil and filter then the water for distilled and antifreeze.its never failed. it could be the engine shouldn't get to operating temp which would make the rings seat faster. The rings wear faster when the engine is cold. don't forget the thermostat. Enjoy yourself. it always feels great when ~~~ those parts are running!!!! A J