First start

[Bart]

I am going for a first start of the motor in the chassis this weekend, this is what I am thinking is the order of operations and I would appreciate any thoughts on anything I missed.

1.   Re-fill cooling system
2.   Check and tighten all oil fittings and hoses
3.   Check and tighten fuel lines
4.   Connect battery
5.   Make sure the gearbox is in neutral and as a second level of precaution have the rear up on stands.
6.   Remove plugs and turnover with no spark or fuel until I get oil pressure
7.   Check for leaks  and top off oil level
8.   Check for leaks and top off coolant
9.   Connect ignition and check spark
10.   Replace plugs
11.   Connect fuel pump
12.   Prime the carbs
13.   Set up the camera for the video and have a cup of tea
14.   Re-check everything
15.   Make sure my fire extinguisher is handy
16.   Go for first start.

This is a moment I’ve been working towards for some time so I hope it all works. Wish me luck!

[BDA]

It sounds like you've covered all the bases! Can't wait to see it! Good luck!!

[Grumblebuns]

Anyone have any thoughts on the benefits of packing the oil pump with Vaseline to reduce the time to get oil pressure indicated?

How do you pack the oil pump with Vaseline?

[dakazman]

 Sounds good Bart , but I like a little nap midday and Lunch . 😂 Best of Luck!👍👍
 
Grumble, I read it all again looking for the Vaseline part , it gone now🤫

Dakazman

[jbcollier]

Is there oil in the transaxle?

[Kendo]

After removing the plugs, I squirt a little oil into each cylinder, assuming all of the oil has drained down in the mean time. Then I turn it over to get oil pressure.

Is that overkill?

[EuropaTC]

After removing the plugs, I squirt a little oil into each cylinder, assuming all of the oil has drained down in the mean time. Then I turn it over to get oil pressure.

Is that overkill?

That's what I do if the car hasn't started for a long while. With no plugs wear for those first few turns should be minimal but I reckon a touch of oil around the piston rings can't hurt.

Joji - the only way I can see of packing the oil pump (on the TC) is by taking off the end plate to get access. Whenever I've replaced a pump I've filled it with heavy oil (EPxx) to give it a bit of a start but I've not bothered when the car comes out to play after winter.

Brian

[jbcollier]

Don't use gear oils in engines.  Some/most gear oils have sulphur compounds which attack the coatings on the rod, main and cam bearings.  Don't use regular grease either as the base component will get stuck in the oil filter reducing its service life significantly.

Vasoline/petroleum jelly is the best choice as it dissolves in oil, has no harsh additives, and has no base to gum things up.  You can also use Lubriplate 105 engine assembly grease as it behaves similarly.

[Bart]

Hi all,

Having followed my plan for first start, the moment finally arrived, the whole family gathered in the garage to see the fuel, ignition and finally the start switch turn on for the first time, totally unbelievable for me, after a couple of false starts she fired up and then just sat there burbling happily at idle and just like Frankenstein's monster it lives.
 
you can see the event here, apologies for my 5 year old's narration

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJLIGJXnMhs


I will sleep well and happy tonight.

Bart.

[Certified Lotus]

Congrats Bart! Very exciting to get the engine started for the first time. 

[BDA]

I'll bet that feels good, Bart! And you have a family video to mark the occasion! 

Congratulations!

[dakazman]

 
     

   Nice video Bart! I gave you a thumbs up.👍 and, you gave me some inspiration.
Thanks,
Dakazman
 

[Bart]

Just a note of thanks to everyone who gave me advice and help in the process so far, I could not have got his far without you all.

Today I am going to sort a few leaks I found and add a rev counter and water temp to my makeshift dashboard so I can give it a bit of a longer run and get all the pressures up.

best,

Bart.

[surfguitar58]

Congrats Bart! 

Looks like you are well on your way to creating the next generation of Lotus fanatics too!

[Bainford]

Congrats, Bart  Well done.