Running an engine standing

[Sidney'61]

Hi, I'm thinking at the moment that maybe in the summer holidays I'm going to find an old A-series engine and try and rebuild it, mainly just to learn with (I didn't dare strip down my car's engine as it's running perfectly fine!) but I was just wondering, how easy is it to start and engine and test it when it's not fitted into the car? what do you need?

[ASL642]

You need the engine v. firmly crated - special metal crates are available, a battery, radiator and an exhaust system if you don't want an ASBO from the neighbours! Oh and a pretty sound-proof garage.

[XDB]

When I rebuilt my engine, I wasn't sure whether the timing was 180 degrees out and I wanted to be sure before fitting the engine. It was sat on a home made wooden trolley, I attached a battery, filled the carb from a tube and funnel and fired it up. I only ran it for a few seconds due to no cooling, but with a exhaust and radiator it would have run ok for longer. I was surprised by the lack of movement of the engine even on a flimsy trolley.

[bmcecosse]

Just lash it to something solid - like a work bench - or even maybe a clothes pole!