[Amc-list] Starting HEI on the ground

[Jesse <j2sax@xxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks for the info.  I have definetly seen some disastrous results from people not taking precautions against the toque... especially when they don't have the fan on!  SOme engines can be started without a bellhousing, but OOOHHH that flywheel! 

I actually have the front third of an FSJ frame with a set each of V8 and I-6 frame horns I can interchange and a tranny mount if I want to start with a trans.  It takes up way too much room, but it is stable, rolls around and keeps things easily within reach!  I have a small rad and battery box, MC Ign Module and wiring to hook up mid 70-80's AMC's.  

I figured the HEI would just need a wire to the Batt, but wanted to be sure.  I should video one of these events... the neighbors love it when I don't use any mufflers in teh Summmer... I think!  (Wintertime I stick on a short exhaust so that reversion won't hurt valves!)  

Have a great weekend!  

Jesse



Message: 6
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 22:45:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: d stohler <das24rules@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Amc-list] Starting an HEI engine on the ground
To: amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Message-ID: <196546.17654.qm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

after rebuilding an engine, i usually start it on the stand before installation. these engines are pretty easy to fire like you want. make sure you have it secured so it does not twist around on you. i usually have them on the engine stand, and then also have a chain mounted in atleast 2 points on the motor, with my hoist just barely tight on the chains. 

to fire the engine, you will need to hook up the battery + to the starter, - to a bolt on the block. have you a jumper wire to the "energize" post on the starter to strike on the + terminal on the battery. you will need a wire running from the + terminal on the bat to the energize wire on the dizzy. the hei has the coil mounted on top of the dizzy. i have seen some that need another wire going to the coil. others are powered off just 1 wire going into it. depends on the dizzy how many wires there are. some have a ground wire you also need to hook up. 

my suggestion, if the engine has not run in a while, leave the power wire to the dizzy unhooked, and crank the engine for a minute or so to get oil circulating around in it before firing. if availible, electric carburated fuel pumps (5-6or so psi) work GREAT for these types of test firings. 

if one has had much experience doing this type of thing, it can be running in just minutes if everything is availible. 

main thing, just make sure it is secure. would be a nasty deal if it was just sitting on an old tire like a lot of people do, fire it up, and the torque just flops it right over and tears things up, oil everywhere ect. also, either do not run it long with no water, or, as i have done before also, pop out the t-stat, and run a garden hose to the water pump. they will head up real quick with no water. 

dave stohler
my rambler pics@
http://picasaweb.google.com/das24rules
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