Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks


Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#279684 06/01/13 06:12 AM
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 69
Verd Offline OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 69
I'm hoping to start my engine for the first time and would like some advice.
The engine was rebuilt in '08 and has never had oil in it. I sprayed some Marvel Mistery oil in the spark plug holes, let it sit for a week and then turned it over with the hand crank. I know the valves have to be set close to specs but then final set with the engine running. I have some experienced help coming but want to here from anyone out there that has any tips on what I should be doing with this engine in particular. And if anyone knows the correct plug gap for champ. c-16's I'd be greatfull.
Thanks in advance.

Verd

Filling Station - Chevrolet & GMC Reproduction Parts


Filling Station


Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,757
Likes: 62
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,757
Likes: 62
It is best to lubricate everything you can before starting the engine. If assembly lube was used when the engine was put together it may not be necessary to take out the distributor and rotate the oil pump (for a minute or more after oil pressure is measured) to fill the main bearing reservoirs and troughs. I would still recommend it to be sure those parts have oil when they begin to rotate. That way you know the oil pump will be working. Also squirting oil onto the valve train parts and down the push rods (to lube the lifters) is a good idea.

Check the ignition system. Take off the distributor cap, remove the center wire to the coil, operate the points manually with the coil wire end 3/8 - 1/2" from a ground. You should get a spark that will jump the gap and make a sharp "snap" sound. If not open the points (or put a piece of paper between the contacts) and short across the points with a screwdriver. If you get a better spark, clean or replace the points. If still not "snappy" spark, check to be sure the condenser case is grounded. If still not "snappy" check the coil wire and terminal ends to be sure they are clean and fully seated. If no spark check to be sure that you have 6 volts at the positive post on the coil. You should also have 6 volts on the negative post with the points open (much less with points closed). Check inside of distributor cap, rotor, make sure spark plug wires are firmly seated.

If distributor has been removed and there is any doubt that it is still timed correctly, rotate the engine so # 1 piston is at the top and on firing stroke. Position the rotor to point toward the # 1 spark plug wire and have the points just beginning to open. That will get the timing close enough for the engine to run. Once running you can reset to max idle speed or use timing light. Make sure that the distributor is full seated into the oil pump every time it is replaced.

When starting rotate the starter until oil pressure is noted before switching on the ignition. Only choke in short pulls.

The Champion D-16 (think C-16 is typo) plugs or any other plugs can be set on the stock setting of 0.025" or up to 0.040". Timing can be 12 deg. advanced or up to 18 deg. advance with wider spark plug gap.



How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,848
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
Tech Advisor
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,848
The spark plug gap of .040" and the timing at 18 degrees does not seem to work as well with the aftermarket D-16 spark plugs as it does with the correct AC spark plugs. Those settings are what is recommended for the correct AC C-86 or AC C-87 spark plugs. With the D-16 spark plugs you might have to play around with the spark plug gap and the timing to get the best performance.

laugh wink beer2


The Mangy Old Mutt

"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 69
Verd Offline OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 69
Thanks Chipper and JYD, that's exactly the kind of stuff I was looking for. I think I'll just get some of the original type plugs and then I can stick with original specs. I'll let you know how I make out, looks like it will be next weekend.
Thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions.

Verd

Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,757
Likes: 62
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,757
Likes: 62
Verd,
FYI, the AC C86 or C87 plugs are not original type plugs. They are modern replacements. G or G-14 are. I have used Champion D-16, Autolite 386 and the AC plugs in my '31 or '32 Chevrolets. Never could tell much difference in performance but never tried a scientific type test to evaluate them either. Anecdotal information is worth just what you paid for it. Controlled scientific based tests and information does have some positive value. I currently have Autolite 386 plugs gapped to 0.040" in the Boss's '31 Fire Truck. Runs liked a raped ape (well maybe not that fast as it is ~ 5500 lbs).


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 69
Verd Offline OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 69
Ok, let me come clean here. I'm not much of a mechanic, I'm good at doing maintainance and I'm almost anal about greasing, oil changes, checking tire pressure and everything else to make sure my cars are dependable. I have a Model T and a Model A both on the road and drive them almost dailey, my cars don't gather any moss.I'm not very good at fine tuning and points and valve setting confuse me so I call in my friends who are much better at that than I am. So I want to be able to gap my plugs at one setting, points at one setting, valves also. I'm just not bright enough to figure out anything on my own.
I thank you all once again.

Verd

Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,757
Likes: 62
ChatMaster - 15,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,757
Likes: 62
The standard spark plug gap is 0.025" for your engine. Point gap @ 0.018" (thickness of business card if you are on the side of the road). Timing 12 deg. advance. Plug wires are solid metal cored. The engine should start and run well with those settings. My recommendation is start there with the plugs and points you have. Get it to run well before messing with timing, plug gap, etc.

It will likely run better with 2-4 deg. advanced timing and wider gaped spark plugs (up to ~ 0.040"). Modern replacement plugs, condenser, coil (except for some made in China) will likely perform better than older original or replacement parts.


How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 69
Verd Offline OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
OP Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 69
Thank you Chipper.

Verd


Link Copied to Clipboard
Support The VCCA!

Enjoy the forum? Become a VCCA member! The World's Best Chevrolet and GMC Club!


Member Photos
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS
by DreamChevy, February 17
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
My 1933 Chevy 2 Dr. Sedan
by 1939Chevy1, November 24
Back on the road 79 years later
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
2 1927 Chevrolet Trucks
by 1927TRUCKS, June 7
Who's Online Now
2 members (gachap, chevy b), 97 guests, and 19 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
NeilA, Jayhicks, Tomvanhouten, Dads29Chevy, Tractorman
18,308 Registered Users
Today's Birthdays
SabrinaKarras, Speedy1
Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics59,072
Posts429,077
Members18,308
Most Online1,133
Jan 22nd, 2020
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5