this seems like a dumb question on my part, but Im going to do my first swap/build today. I was just thinking that when I drop my new motor in Id like to fire it up before putting every little piece together just to make sure there's no major issues that need to be addressed. So, can I fire it up without the axles installed?? I dont see why not, but maybe Im wrong.

 

yes, you just cant go anywhere.

 

Don't let the trans run too long without trans fluid. I'd just start it to make sure it starts, then shut it off.

We actually made a starter holder from a junk transmission by cutting all the material around the bell housing except the part that holds the starter on. We can now start an engine without the trans installed.

 

^^^ what and ingenious idea... I like!...

you can start without axel.... i wouldn't recommend putting it in gear.

 

Even without the trans in gear, if the clutch is engaged, it spins the main shaft.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 117 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Even without the trans in gear, if the clutch is engaged, it spins the main shaft.</TD></TR></TABLE>

And I hope no one gets the idea of the having the clutch pedal pushed in the entire time it's on.

 

You'd think people would be smarter than that, but good point nevertheless.

 

117 any pics of this contraption? haha

 

No, but it's sitting in the garage. If I get a chance, I'll take a picture tonight. It's just the bell housing, and it's been cut on a band saw right around the starter housing.

 

Thats awesome :thumbup;

 

i was thinking somthing like that to put a starter on to turn one over for compression...

somthing quick and fairly easy... would work wouldn't it?

 

just hook up a power source to the starter it should fire up with some gas of course

 

no i mean a dry motor on a stand outta the car to spin it over to check compression

 

No. You won't be able to turn the engine fast enough. If it's not a fresh build, do a leakdown. That'll tell you just as much, and more than a compression test.

 

but you use the starter to check compression when it is in the car....
maybe im just reading all this wrong

 

ok nevermind thats not why i was asking but thanks for the feed back... would still love to see that pic...

it would be kinda cool to make a universal one to fit other 4cyl.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 92hondalude &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">but you use the starter to check compression when it is in the car....
maybe im just reading all this wrong</TD></TR></TABLE>

I've never seen an engine stand that allows for mounting of the starter since they hold the engine by the bolts used for the transmission bell housing.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SHPrelude00 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">no i mean a dry motor on a stand outta the car to spin it over to check compression</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

haha sorry 117 i was thinking using your contraption that allows the starter to be mounted, but have the engine held on by say a lift or hoist so its in the suspended in the air then plug 3 cylinders then check one...

just a curious idea i had... like if you were dealing with a bunch of engines and wanted to check them... just thinking way out the box... haha

 

If that were the case, I'd do a leak down. More informative than a compression test anyway. Neither will yield the best results since the engines should be at operating temp for either test.

 

yea im wasn't thinking of being able to monitor it's realtime specs but literally just check the compression...thanks 117

pm me pics... still i wanna see what you did...im interested