Webley1991

Well-Known Member
At the moment I have the engine and gearbox sitting on the chassis, with only the tub and bulkhead on the chassis so far.

Once I get the fuel tank and pipes sorted, how difficult would it be to test-run the engine?

Obviously this would mean temporarily wiring up the glow plugs and starter motor, as well as connecting up and filling the radiator.

I am worried about condensation in the unheated workshop I am doing the rebuild in. I was thinking that running the engine would help circulate the oil and burn of off any condensation.

Thanks for any info.
 
very, once plumbed in it only needs a starter to kick it to life, presuming a belt is on for the water pump and alt/dyno is disconned or hooked up
 
Would you not be likely to create more condensation by heating the engine up and then cooling? If you've used a fogging oil then all important components should be protected.
 
Be sure to remember the earth bonding strap, block to chassis. You wont run it long enough to worry about anything else.
 
Seems pointless to me. Why not turn over by hand every few months? Is this to make sure it doesn't seize?
 
Thanks for the replies.

I have been turning it over and giving the cylinders and air intake a spray of fogging oil every so often.

The thing is that it's a reconditioned engine, so the parts won't be as well coated in oil as a unit which has been running.

Something that did concern me was the potential for condensation and possible rust in the crank case.
 
Ive got a petrol engine sitting on a pallet in the corner. Its been there for about a year and will probably be there a few more months yet. I don't want it to 'go off'! 😐



Should I be fogging it from time to time??
 
I'm in a similar situation. I have a good 2.25 Diesel engine all built up and painted ready for if I need it. I took the heater plugs out and gave it a good squirt of fogging oil whilst it was turned over by hand to ensure everything was well coated. I did it again a few months later. My plan is to do that every six months ish.

Many leisure boats are left unused for 6-8 months of the year. My father in Law's boat was taken out of the sea each year whilst he undertook usual annual maintenance. The engine is sea water cooled and therefore not run until the next season. Some stay in the sea all year on moorings in the salt water atmosphere.
Working on this basis I reckon an engine in the garage, turned over by hand a couple of times a year or so and fogging oil added should be ok.
 
Shuldnt need to wire up glow plugs. Just do the old wagon drivers trick of a lit rag by the air intake :D

I've tested marine diesels on the floor a couple of times. If you intend to run it for any length of time you really do need coolant
 

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