"Spinning the Engines"?

risctaker · Post by **risctaker** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 4:18 pm

I want to see if these LM383's are still able to spin free. They have been sitting un-started for 3 years. To avoid scoring the cyl walls, etc, my plan was to remove the plugs and spray a small amount of either fogging oil or marvel mystery oil into each cylinder, cover the engine with a large old towel then spin the engines without any compression to get that top cylinder lube evenly distributed. Since the engines have been sitting in the same position for three years they may not want to move easily at first. Anyone have any feedback on this whole approach? Thanks Guys. Steve

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:39 pm

Hey guys can you prime a mopar by spinning the oil pump like on a bowtie ? If he can is do it along with the other things he plans on doing , I would turn them by hand first.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:39 pm

go for it

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 7:27 pm

Sounds like a reasonable plan. I too would try turning them by hand first.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:09 pm

I would crank by hand first. Check the plugs when you pull them, may be worth replacing them anyway. Then I'd make sure my battery cable connections at the starters are clean and tight. They haven't run in a while so do a visual on wiring, ign. components (cap, rotor etc). You'll have other issues to consider such as the condition of the carbs, fuel etc., and check timing too, and I don't mean just base timing, check total advance too. Change engine and tranny fluids. Make sure they're pumping water and keep a close eye on the temps. We're all keeping our fingers crossed.

Geoff R · Post by **Geoff R** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:20 pm

Shut the fuel off first

risctaker · Post by **risctaker** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 10:50 am

Thanks guys! Manual cranking it is!. I will NOT be actually trying to start the engines at this time. I have way too much work to do on the fuel tanks and delivery systems. My goal right now is to make sure the engines will spin free and to coat the cyl walls with some light weight lube. Will let you all know. Thanks
Steve (risctaker)

Lawman · Post by **Lawman** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:17 pm

I would definately put Marvel Mystery oil in each cylinder now. This way when you're ready to hand crack it, the oil will have helped to free the piston if they're stuck (hopefully) !

risctaker · Post by **risctaker** » Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:40 pm

My thinking exactly, buddy. Thanks!

Steve (Risctaker)

Captain Blast Off · Post by **Captain Blast Off** » Sat Feb 19, 2011 1:13 am

If want to pressurize your oil system you can do so with a bug sprayer; plumb the wond of the sprayer into an oil galley (remove oil sending unit if it's in an easy place to get to). Then pump up the srayer and squeeze the wond (like you're spraying) keep pumping until you get oil to the top of the valve train and you're good to go.

Oh and use a new sprayer that you have cleaned first.

Steve

risctaker · Post by **risctaker** » Mon Feb 21, 2011 1:56 pm

Great Tip. Thanks!

Steve (Risctaker)