Question concerning prepping an engine to be run. | FerrariChat
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Question concerning prepping an engine to be run.

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by christopher, Mar 29, 2008.

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  1. christopher

    christopher Formula 3

    Nov 29, 2003
    1,136
    Ontario California
    Full Name:
    Christopher
    #1 christopher, Mar 29, 2008
    Hello Fellow “F”-Chatters,

    I could use your expertise,

    My 1979 308GTB hasn’t been fired over in about three to four years.

    I was going to remove the sparks (and battery), and manually crank the engine over by the pully.

    My question was: I wanted to apply some lubricant to the inner cylinder walls, but wasn’t sure what type of lubricant to use.

    Also, any ideas on how to apply the lubricant to the inside cylinder. I do not have access to compressed air, so I need another means.

    Any ideas on tips are greatly appreciated.

    Thanks Guys,

    Chris.
     
  2. Whisky

    Whisky Three Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 27, 2006
    32,270
    In the flight path to Offutt
    Full Name:
    The original Fernando
    #2 Whisky, Mar 29, 2008
    Wow - how many Ontario guys do we have on here ?

    The folks I know that build racing motors will put a SMALL squirt of light viscosity motor oil in the spark
    plug hole, and then turn the motor by hand (with a crank) for a minute - but these are 358 cid motors still on the motor
    stand. They install the motor and then turn the dry sump by hand for a few minutes also, then fire up
    the motor.
     
  3. vincenzo

    vincenzo F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2003
    3,373
    #3 vincenzo, Mar 29, 2008
    Just hit it with a very light mist of WD40 - use a fresh can with lots of pressure. Only hit the cyls at BDC then turn the crank for the rest. Be sure not to leave ANY liquid in the cyl.

    Frankly, I would not worry about it unless you suspect engine damage (water in cyl etc).

    Rgds,
    Vince
     
  4. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,022
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    #4 Verell, Mar 29, 2008
    I recommend using roughly a teaspoon Marvel Mystery Oil, NOT WD40. You can measure & apply it with a turkey baster.

    Let it sit for 5-10 minuites to penetrate down to & around the rings. Then turn the engine over by hand once or twice to distribute the oil around the cylinders.

    Finally put rags or paper towels over the spark plug recesses to catch oil blown out, hook up the battery & let the starter spin the engine around a few more times. This will distribute the oil all around the cylinders & blow any excess out the spark plug holes & thru the exhaust valves. Even if you got way too much oil in, the open spark plug holes will prevent hydraulic locking.

    WD40 contains a wax dissolved in a light mineral solvent. When the solvent evaporates, the wax remains behind as a sticky residue, not something I want coating my piston tops & valves.
     
  5. Ken

    Ken F1 World Champ

    Oct 19, 2001
    16,078
    Arlington Heights IL
    Full Name:
    Kenneth
    #5 Ken, Mar 29, 2008
    I second the Marvel Mystery oil. WD 40 is a cleaner, not a lubricant.

    Ken
     
  6. christopher

    christopher Formula 3

    Nov 29, 2003
    1,136
    Ontario California
    Full Name:
    Christopher
    #6 christopher, Mar 29, 2008
    I am very, very appreciative as to all the replies that I received.

    Thank you, it sound as if Mavel Oil is the stuff to use!

    Thanks guys,

    Chris
     
  7. vincenzo

    vincenzo F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2003
    3,373
    #7 vincenzo, Mar 29, 2008
    good point - I stand corrected.
    Rgds,
    Vince
     

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