One of the things I have been contemplating for my new shop (if I ever
get to Tucson) is an engine cradle complete with gauges, radiator and
all the interconnections necessary to fully test Spitfire engines before
they go back in a car. This would make it much easier to find and fix
all those pesky oil leaks!
Joe
Michael Marr wrote:
>
> Maybe I'm getting old and cranky in my fifitieth year, but I don't think I'd
> attempt to start an engine on one of the less expensive test stands, without
> tieing it down to the floor very securely. I'd be concerned with torque
> reaction tipping the whole mess over, which might spoil your whole week. I
> ESPECIALLY wouldn't attempt this by myself....
>
> And with that, goodbye for a few days - I'm moving house.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Moag <moag@ix.netcom.com>
> To: Triumphs Mailing List (E-mail) <triumphs@autox.team.net>
> Date: Sunday, January 24, 1999 11:24 PM
> Subject: Testing an Engine While On a Stand
>
> >
> >Listers,
> >
> >I got his email from Gary Bouffard and thought some others may find it
> >useful as well. You should direct questions to him, since I've never done
> >anything like this (YET!).
> >
> >Dave Moag
> >77 Spitfire
> >62 TR3B
> >
> >
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: Gbouff1@aol.com [mailto:Gbouff1@aol.com]
> >Sent: Sunday, January 24, 1999 7:48 PM
> >To: moag@ix.netcom.com
> >Subject: Re: Some possibly dumb questions!
> >
> >
> >Dave,
> >I am having some computer problems and have lost all of my addresses
> >including
> >the triumph list, you may want to forward this response to the list for me.
> >
> >First, I want to state that my engine stand is rated for 750 lbs., you may
> >need additional support if your stand is rated for less.
> >
> >In order to start the engine on the stand, the flywheel and starter need to
> >be
> >attached. To clear the flywheel, extra long bolts with spacers must be
> used
> >to mount the engine. For spacers I used a combination of washers and a
> short
> >length of 1/2 pipe ( otherwise you will need a few hundred washers.)
> >Because
> >The starter is attached, I was only able to secure three of the four anchor
> >bolts. To compensate for the missing bolt, I wedged a piece of wood
> between
> >the bottom of the block in front of the oil pan and the frame of the stand.
> >The above arrangement made for a very stable platform.
> >
> >For a fuel line I clamped about 8 ft. of small diameter hose to the fuel
> >pump
> >and into a gas can and duct taped all openings except for the vent. At
> this
> >point turn the engine over till the pump is primed. You may have to start
> a
> >siphon action to accomplish this.
> >
> >I ran my engine for only a minute, so I didn't bother with trying to run
> >water
> >through the block. If you intend to run longer, a running garden hose duct
> >tapped to the lower inlet should work fine if you take out the thermostat.
> >This way you get a good flow and KNOW that you have water circulating. I
> >used
> >to run my outboards for tuning, adjusting and flushing for extended periods
> >of
> >time like this, with no problem.
> >
> >I direct wired both of the low tension leads to the battery making sure one
> >lead was loose enough on the COIL to pull off, so that I could stop the
> >engine
> >when necessary. Attach both leads of the starter to the battery and one to
> >the starter, use the ground lead to make contact with the engine block to
> >kick
> >the starter over. DO NOT make spark contact with the battery terminals as
> >there is risk of explosion because of the battery gasses.
> >
> >With a little starting fluid I was able to get the engine started on the
> >third
> >attempt after 25 years of dormancy. However, I was the proverbial one
> armed
> >paper hanger. It would be much easier with a friend to help with the
> choke,
> >throttle, and starter. In a pinch, vice grips will help perform the extra
> >duties.
> >
> >Let me know how you make out.
> >
> >Gary Bouffard
> >59 TR3A TS58399
--
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
-- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer
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