hi i'm working on my 75 914, 2.0, 5 spd.
had the drive train out to do a clutch and also engine top including pistons rings and cylinders.
getting ready to start it for the first time and was wondering if there is a process or check list that anyone has used. i guess it would seem obvious to some but, i'm pretty new to this and don't want to get it wrong.
i was curious to know if there is a way to check oil pressure before actually starting it.
any suggestions would be great.
thanks

If you want to check oil pressure quickly. You have to crank the motor.

Pull the spark plugs. If FI unplug the injectors so you dont dump fuel in there, if carbed just dont fill the bowls.

Crank and you should generate enough pressure.

I have heard many people that know anything these days don't really go along with break in routines anymore. Since you don't have a new cam, no worries there. Check for pressure (did you muck with the pump? ) Then just drive it like a normal person (maybe not like a 914 driver) making sure everything is good. Do you have gauges? Cht gauge? Oil temp? Oil pressure (I assume so)? If it were me I would extra paranoid for the first few miles, checking plugs frequently etc., But after it looks good I would relax.

hi guys, thanks for the replies.
i did change the pump gasket and cleaned it. i put some assembly lube in there and made sure it went back as it was removed. i have gauges but no oil pressure gauge.

Pull coil wire
Crank for a bit to get oil pressure up.
Plug in coil, drive

Yeah, with no oil pressure gauge you have to just embrace the simplicity and go for it.

so long as your oil idiot light goes out during cranking you should be good enough.
you just want to build oil pressure, get it right through the engine.

it doesn't hurt to crank and crank and crank. the more the merrier before you give it the real deal.

Yep. Crank without spark till u have pressure. Since you have new rings, pistons and cylinders I’d vary your speeds (no highway driving) for a few hundred miles until everything gets to know each other better. Also throw in a little engine braking while going downhill.

How to check oil pressure:

1. Use this $30 tool (maybe even 20% less when on sale), which is well worth the cost. and with the correct adapter, screw it into where your oil pressure switch/ sender is on the engine case.

https://www.harborfreight.com/engine-oil-pr...-kit-62621.html

2. Unplug spark plug wire from ignition coil.

3. Unplug fuel pump wire or otherwise disable the fuel pump.

4. Remove all the spark plugs.

5. Turn ignition key (or better, use a remote starter switch) engage starter long enough to build pressure. Watch the gauge.


You didn't ask, but, you should also:

6. Add break-in oil to motor, then seat the rings (watch youtube.com for proper procedure). You pick the brand you like, but here's one:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/luc-10631-1

thanks for the help ya'll.
cranked it until the pressure light went out, hooked up the coil and she kicked!
ran it for a bit but the carb on the drivers side was leaking so i rebuilt both carbs but some how i lost spark so it back to chasin a new problem.
if anyone has a suggestion, fire away!

Are you getting 12v to the coil?