Starting engine without drive and on external fuel tank.New possible issues at start

[MCL]

Hi

Got a new reman 4.3 block with various new parts,merc alpha one gen one.The engine is in the boat,but the drive is off.I just want to start it and idle it,so that I can adjust the timing,idle and check for leaks.

Can i start the engine with a water hose directly connected to the transom shield?The drive is off so there is no external pump to help flow.I measured the flow of the hose to 2 gallons a minute with quite good pressure.I think I can improve flow by shortening the hose if needed.

I made a hose connection to a soda jug to serve as a temporary fuel source.Will the fuel flow(pressure) be sufficient with the jug lifted higher than the carb?The carb is a edelbrock 1409 4bbl marine carb.

Also was thinking about removing the plugs and cranking the engine by hand to get engine lubricated prior to its first start.

Check last post!

 

[Don S]

Re: Starting engine without drive and on external fuel tank

Re: Starting engine without drive and on external fuel tank

Hook your garden hose up to the hose coming off the transom shield. That way the pressure from the water hose will push water through the system.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Re: Starting engine without drive and on external fuel tank

Re: Starting engine without drive and on external fuel tank

Yes, no problem at all.

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Starting engine without drive and on external fuel tank

Re: Starting engine without drive and on external fuel tank

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e7LVNx9-BE

This is mine running on my floor, with the hose hooked up directly

 

[MCL]

Re: Starting engine without drive and on external fuel tank

Re: Starting engine without drive and on external fuel tank

Im pleased to say the first start was a success.It starts almost immediately,although it sometimes backfires through the carb.I set the idle at 650rpm and ignition advance at 12 degrees.Engine heats up to 160f(FWC) and oil pressure is around 60.

My wonder and dilemma is that I took the oil fill cap off and its completely dry in there.You can see a very very slow flow of oil running along side the head.The engine has plenty of engine oil and oil presure checks out.Is this normal?Cause otherwise the engine is running very nicely.

Edit.Ive read that chevy restricted the oil flow to the head at some point,could this be it?Its a new block with new internals.Also the lifters are completely silent which must meen that the lifters must be working.With no oil they should collapse.