1.7 Rebuild First Start Up Advice, 1.7 Start Up on stand Options

[Robroe]

Have 73 1.7 bought in pieces. Engine has been rebuilt and ‘souped up’ however I don’t know what internals were installed. New crank, cam, pistons, rods and heads. but I don’t know which ones. Weber 44 idf carbs. Never had oil in it and been stored unstarted for 10 yrs in climate control. I’ve added oil by slow dripping 2 quarts through the oil pressure sensor hole. Oil dripped out of the rockers so I’m pretty sure it got some oil as pre lube. It’s on a home built test stand with the transmission mounted with the starter.

I’m trying to turn the engine over by hand with the plugs out. Have squirted oil in each plug hole. I’m able to turn the engine by hand about 45 degrees and it gets harder to spin so can’t go any further. Would it be a good idea to pull the rocker arms to see if the builder installed some wild cam without checking valve/piston clearance? It doesn’t feel like internals are hitting each other but who knows? Would hate to pull the heads if I don’t have to. Any thoughts before I break something?

Rob Roe
Newbie

[Jack Standz]

U can tell it's a stroker if you can see spacers under the cylinders. Maybe take a look with that scope/camera through the sparkplug hole in the tin? My guess is that you're looking at a 2056 (possibly a 1911).

Yes, check everything. Although not likely, make sure the valve reliefs on the pistons (probably cast) aren't upside-down, because that would be a bummer. Measure and write down all the speciations because you will not remember. Things like bore, stroke, valve sizes, intake and exhaust lift or cam number if there is one, blueprint the oil pump, plug the oil gallerys with tapered threaded plugs, etc., etc.

While you have it apart, lubricate it properly and get ready for startup, especiallythe special lube on the cam lobes. We also had a 2056 project motor that was stalled and sat for over 10 years. When we got back to the project, the molly-lube turned into a grey stiff gunk. Cleaned things up and started again with new bearings, etc.

BTW you can turn the motor over with a 23mm(?) wrench on the alternator pulley fastener if the alternator belt isn't too loose (you can squeeze the belt with your hand while turning the bolt to help stop any slipping). Just don't force anything if you feel resistance.

Best wishes for a successful startup!