Finally got round to swapping the X-flow for a Zetec.
When do you test the engine? Is it worth connecting all the cooling pipes? Does it need an exhaust?
I only ask because I don't want to get everything fitted to find out the engine is a lemon

You dont need the coolant pipes if you are only going to run it for a few seconds. Dont need an exhaust either but it will be pretty loud

There's no reason not to fill the block with coolant and fire the engine up without exhausts etc. Just remember to disconnect the water pump first, and don't run the engine for more than 10 seconds or so.

I fired my V8 like this a couple of months ago and it was awesome noisey fun, esp watching fire shooting out of the exhaust ports. But the diagnostic benefits were pretty limited tbh as you need to be able to run much longer to identify if you've got a lemon or not.

[Edited on 24/6/09 by AdamR]

In a garage with no exhaust it will be LOUD, I recently started my ZX12 with just the manifold, ringing ears for a while after!!

Yup. Ran mine for a good 10 seconds or so without coolant just to make sure it was running on all cylinders and didn't need a compression test etc. Noisy as hell but hey... Put a daft smile on my face!

http://www.youtube.com/v/m3eKGBIy-d4

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Originally posted by blakep82
http://www.youtube.com/v/m3eKGBIy-d4

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Its never too soon...

Having said that...

I know its nice to hear the engine running ASAP..

But its more rewarding to get everything else done first and then start it up...

Proper loom, proper exhaust etc... and then test it...

quote:

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Originally posted by blakep82
http://www.youtube.com/v/m3eKGBIy-d4

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if its got a problem e.g knock on the big end etc it will be very hard to hear without an exhaust of some kind.

personally i would hook up water and exhaust as a minimum.

If it's off a donor why not test it while it's in the donor? Then again I'm guessing it's not otherwise you would...

I've you've got an old exhaust I don't see why bolting that on (even though it doesn't fit properly) just for checking

Its a good idea to run the donor car on the road for 3 months as you build your chassis