What's the bare minimum for an engine start?

[stuchman1]

Hi everyone,

We bought a pull-out gen 3 Coyote engine and I'd like to fire it up for the first time before the warranty expires, to make sure it's not a dud. What's the bare minimum to start it? Transmission may or may not be installed.

Obviously fuel line connected and oil in the engine. May be overkill but we'll oil prime it, since I don't know how long it sat for before we purchased it. We'll connect the oil pressure gauge so I know it's getting pressure, and also wires to the starter. What else?

We've only installed the basic wire harnesses but we have not yet seriously gotten into wiring, so I'm mostly wondering what from the control pack, etc., needs to be connected for the engine to start.

We'd only run it for a couple seconds and then cut it.

Thanks!
ST

[Jeff Kleiner]

Hi everyone,

We bought a pull-out gen 3 Coyote engine and I'd like to fire it up for the first time before the warranty expires, to make sure it's not a dud. What's the bare minimum to start it? Transmission may or may not be installed.

Obviously fuel line connected and oil in the engine. May be overkill but we'll oil prime it, since I don't know how long it sat for before we purchased it. We'll connect the oil pressure gauge so I know it's getting pressure, and also wires to the starter. What else?

We've only installed the basic wire harnesses but we have not yet seriously gotten into wiring, so I'm mostly wondering what from the control pack, etc., needs to be connected for the engine to start.

We'd only run it for a couple seconds and then cut it.

Thanks!
ST

Everything sensor related from the control pack will need to be connected and satisfied. Things like the clutch switch can be defeated. You're going to need the transmission on it so that it's secure at the rear.

Jeff

[nuhale]

I'm about to do my start on the coupe build tomorrow. For mine I had the coyote PCB and wiring done before engine went in. Just have wires needed for start loose at the moment as I haven't decided on location of the RF fuse panel. Ran a temp alt line, oil pressure and temp sender wires over the top of the engine with gauges just patched in for now. Bought a $10 ignition switch that I plan to toss as well. Just patched in the coyote wiring and jumped the clutch safety switch. The cooling system is done and plan to just use a shop fan to push air thru radiator for the start. Also mounted the headers and will be bolting up the exhaust pipes as well as it's a simple task and will save your ears and not piss the neighbors off too much. Yes trans will need to be in for engine support per Jeff.

Good luck! I'll be posting some pics/video on my build thread so that may answer some of your questions.

[Al_C]

This sounds like fun!

[Mike.Bray]

Here was the first start of my Windsor.


https://youtube.com/shorts/nHwxYOzZgwQ

[Blitzboy54]

I'm about to do my start on the coupe build tomorrow. For mine I had the coyote PCB and wiring done before engine went in. Just have wires needed for start loose at the moment as I haven't decided on location of the RF fuse panel. Ran a temp alt line, oil pressure and temp sender wires over the top of the engine with gauges just patched in for now. Bought a $10 ignition switch that I plan to toss as well. Just patched in the coyote wiring and jumped the clutch safety switch. The cooling system is done and plan to just use a shop fan to push air thru radiator for the start. Also mounted the headers and will be bolting up the exhaust pipes as well as it's a simple task and will save your ears and not piss the neighbors off too much. Yes trans will need to be in for engine support per Jeff.

Good luck! I'll be posting some pics/video on my build thread so that may answer some of your questions.

As fate and luck would have it I am also planning on first start tomorrow. That's funny. I have a Gen 2 coyote reman. I will update my build thread but I have everything done. The only wiring that you could skip is your dash gauges. Like Jeff said all the wiring to the control pack and sensors have to be satisfied.

[MPTech]

Headers & O2 sensors? Assuming you are not going to run it long enough to require Coolant & water temp sensors.

[stuchman1]

Thanks a ton, everyone. The last post mentioned O2 sensors on the exhaust headers. I assume those need to be on?

Also, a nitty gritty question - can the nuts that you use to fasten the engine and transmission to the mounts be reused? (Seems like most people pull the engine in and out several times and I'm assuming you don't use a new set of nuts each time). (I'm also assuming that the nuts should be fastened with starting the engine on the mounts!)

Thanks!