Questions about My First Start

[GWL]

I’m getting close to, after ten years of building, my first start. Finishing up my electrical work and then will move toward fluids and a few more item to finish up.

I built my engine and transmission 3 years ago. While I did assemble it with assembly lube, I have virtually done nothing else to it.

Ford 302, bored to 306 and balanced, from an ’89 Mustang with the Trick Flow Top End Kit and their mild street cam.

Prior to the engine start process I will have checked all my electrical wiring and accessories.

The Plan – Correct me if I’m wrong or need to add something.
• I will add all fluids.
• The break in oil will be a basic Castrol 10W-30.
• I will remove the valve covers and I will use a distributor drive to turn over the oil pump until I can read pressure at the gauge and see oil at the lifters.
• I understand I’ll have to run the drill in reverse.
• Turn the key to on, without starting, and check for fuel pressure and fuel leaks.
• Install distributor and static time
• I have a start button so I can turn the engine over without ignition and will do so to ensure oil pressure is at the gauge using the distributor to drive the oil pump this time.
• I’ve never done it before but I will review how to set the Throttle Position Sensor and will do so.
• Start the engine and check for oil pressure, leaks, adjust timing if needed and set idle to 2000 rpm and run it there for 20 minutes.

Anything I’m missing or should check prior to this first start?

Thanks for your thoughts, George

[Norm B]

George, all seems good except, if you are running a roller cam, I don't believe you have to run it at 2000 rpm for 20 minutes. I just did a first start on my new 331 that I built over the winter and the only difference in procedure I used was to turn the engine over slowly while priming the oil system with the drill. This made sure oil made it through the galleries in the crank to the con rod bearings. Cranking the engine over without it starting with the distributor installed will accomplish the same thing if you have primed the rest of the system beforehand.

Good Luck

Norm

[GWL]

Yes, I remember that. I think I read it from another post, maybe yours, a while back. Thanks

Yes, it is a roller cam.

George

[Mark K]

Don't forget to post the video of your first start. ;)

[Jeff Kleiner]

As mentioned an '89 is a roller so the 2,000 RPM cam break in is unnecessary.

Good luck George!

Jeff

[Fixit]

Plan looks good... a few tips from a guy whose done a few

- Fire Extinguisher close by
- at least 3 gallons of fuel in the tank
- Helper/Videographer (you'll be too busy checking & grinning like the village idiot to get good pictures!)
- extra coolant, oil, fluids, paper towel and a funnel at hand
- be prepared for some minor smoke & steam - stuff's gonna get HOT for the 1st time
- (more applicable with a flat-tappet) unless it's hemorraging something all over, don't shut it down - a little leak or drip won't kill it - catalog it and get it running smooth.
- housekeeping... have a clear area all around the car so you can move around to look/check things

[Railroad]

Do you have to remove the spout connector to set the timing on that model 302?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Do you have to remove the spout connector to set the timing on that model 302?

Yes.

Jeff

[GWL]

Do you have to remove the spout connector to set the timing on that model 302?

Yes

George

edit: didn't see Jeff's post. ;)

[Railroad]

Sometimes when these engines get transplanted, the engine fails to get grounded properly.
Be sure the computer and engine have good grounds.

[Ducky2009]

Some people like to roll it outside, just in cast. Don't burn the house down. :rolleyes:

[D Stand]

I have heard of folks filling radiator with distilled water only for first start on a motor that has been sitting to flush out any junk.

[TMartinLVNV]

I have heard of folks filling radiator with distilled water only for first start on a motor that has been sitting to flush out any junk.

This also makes cleanup a LOT easier if you didn't tighten a hose clamp enough, the thermostat opens, and hello coolant all over the floor :rolleyes: