Engine - initial start-up after major overhaul (1116 cc and 1301 cc engines)

Engine / Engine - initial start-up after major overhaul (1116 cc and 1301 cc engines)

1 If new bearings and rings have been fitted, it is likely that the engine will be stiff to turn so make sure the battery is well charged.

2 Switch on the ignition and check that appropriate warning lights come on.

3 Start up the engine. If it refuses to start, refer to the “Fault Finding” Section in the Reference section of this Manual.

4 Watch the oil pressure warning light and alternator charging indicator light. If there is no charge or if the oil pressure warning light does not go out after a second or two, having had time to fill the new oil filter, switch off and recheck.

5 If the warning lights go out, set the engine to run on fast idle and check the engine for leaks.

6 Check the coolant level; it will probably go down as air locks are filled.

7 Keep the engine running at a fast idle and bring it up to normal working temperature. As the engine warms up, there will be some odd smells and smoke from parts getting hot and burning off oil deposits.

8 When the engine running temperature has been reached, adjust the idling speed, as described in Chapter 3. Check and, if necessary, adjust the ignition timing using a stroboscope (see Chapter 4).

9 Stop the engine and wait a few minutes; check to see if there are any coolant or oil leaks.

10 Road test the car to check that the engine is running with the correct smoothness and power. If it does not, refer to “Fault finding” in the Reference section of this Manual. Do not race the engine. If new bearings and/or pistons and rings have been fitted, it should be treated as a new engine and run it at reduced speed for at east 800 km (500 miles).

11 After 800 km (500 miles) change the engine oil and filter.