Starting a turbo engine thats been sitting? tips?
Turbo Mini Forums

In two weeks time im going to be starting my engine (or trying) to see if its ok.

Are there any precautions i should take? Got new oil, plugs, rebuilt carb etc. Just basically how should i go about starting it?

Also what should i set the mixture to on the carb? Rich i assume then work it down?

And what should i do about the boost? I have a bleed valve? Will i just shut the bleed valve?

Its not a rebuilt engine(yes i know it wont last for long if at all but i could be lucky). I do plan to rebuild it when i have some more cash dont worry.

Cheers.

James.

Edited by hammoj28turbo on 25th Mar, 2008.

backfeed oil into the pump to prime it, and get an oil pressure guage on it.

remove the oil transfer pipe bolt (careful not to lose the 2 copper washers) and pour some oil down there. this will help get the oil pressure up.

remove the plugs as spin it over on the starter.

oil pressure should appear.

pause and repeat a couple of times to make sure the oil has got all the way round (20 sec bursts)

stick the plugs back and see if it starts.

is it in car?

if so put it in 4th, and whilst pushing the car slowly backwards, feed oil into the block where the banjo from the oil filter goes in, this will back fill the oil system and prime the pump so oil pressure should be achieved quicker, or just force it in like so:

"Turbo's make torque, and torque makes fun"

"did you know you can toast potato waffles?"

Thanks guys. I did wonder about putting oil in the turbo some how but iv never done this before so iv not a clue..

Right, need to get an oil pressure gauge.

Any idea how much oil to pour into the turbo?

I'd also put a squirt of oil down each bore to give the rings a chance whilst cranking to get oil pressure.

Cheers, is something like 20/50 semi synthetic alright to use?

10 or 15/40 would be best for most mini engines i believe

"Turbo's make torque, and torque makes fun"

"did you know you can toast potato waffles?"

20/50 for me

Hi,
I'd go 20/50. Don't worry about the turbo, just let the engine idle for a while and check everything over. Then you should be good to go
Cheers,
Gavin :)

VEMs Authorised Installer / Re-seller. K head kits now available!

WB/EGT gauges. Click here for customers write-up

Visit www.doyouneedabrain.co.uk

My Mini build diary

cool, cheers guys. think i might leave the turbo off yeh