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RBL · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2003 1:37 pm Post subject: first start of rebuilt engine!

I've just re-fitted my rebuilt 1.7 8v engine (from my old '89 Sprint) into the Porsche spyder replica I'm building.

(http://www.pbase.com/550joe/owner_spyders. Mine's the uncompleted one at the bottom - click on pic for more details ).

Now I've fitted the engine I want to start her up to check she starts/runs ok (finger crossed!) but I haven't fitted the cooling system yet. Would it be ok to start and run it for a few minutes without any coolant in the system? I really want to hear it start up!

Obviously the water pump will be spinning but there'll be no water in engine. If the thermostat isn't supposed to kick in 'till 81-85 degrees I should be ok shouldn't I??

thanks, Rich

rjbevan · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2003 2:55 pm Post subject:

If I were you I wouldn't try it without coolant in the engine. There would too much of a temptation to not stop! Why don't you plumb everything up but just connect the radiator hoses together (i.e. no lines to the front of the car).

Richard

Ian M · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2003 3:03 pm Post subject:

I personally wouldnt riskit.
Just think how you would feel after spending all that time and money and then damaging it for a moment of impatience.
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graeme · Alfasud Joined: 16 Mar 2003 Posts: 64

I just fitted my 16v after rebuild. I didn't connect any hoses or put any water in or connect the exhaust before I knew it would start and run JUST FOR A FEW SECONDS. Then I connected the stuff up.
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BILL · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2003 9:24 pm Post subject:

DONT TRY IT!! You will do more damage than good(the sound of the engine working).It takes seconds for an engine to overheat and you will have to rebuild it again. It wont be more than half an hour to connect all the hoses and the radietor .The thermostat needs coolant to work or else how it knows the temp Question

BILL · Posted: Sat Oct 04, 2003 9:32 pm Post subject: Re: Rebuild

graeme · Alfasud Joined: 16 Mar 2003 Posts: 64

Didn't let it idle. Just made sure it fired. That's like 2 seconds. There's a lot of cast iron that would't get slightly warm in that time. After full assembly the engine then ran and reved supperbly, with no knocks, bangs or smoke.
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16v p4 In pieces.

RBL · Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2003 3:57 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your replies - Yep! you're all right - it's not worth rushing it. I'll get the cooling system sorted first
Rich