Thread: Starting engine for first time after rebuilding top end

I could use a little guidance on the proper steps to starting an engine after top rebuild.
Things I replaced were: timing chain, dampener, crank and cam sensor, all gaskets, water pump, 90# springs, ported heads and had a valve job done, Transmission and all that goes with these things.

I filled all fluids and cranked the engine without starting it a few cranks. I then started it for a few seconds and shut it down because it didn't sound good. I started it up again for a couple more seconds and sounded the same. It's dark out so I called it a night.

Is there anything I need to do to get the crank and cam sensors learned other than just letting it run? Anything else I should do before letting it run longer? I did notice that the second time I started it the low oil pressure light came on before I shut it down. Any insight appreciated!

id pull the spark plugs, then crank it over for 10 seconds at a time, letting the starter rest a bit between cranking. if you got a oil pressure guage watch it while your cranking it, at some point it should show oil pressure.

did it kinda sound like a train passing in the night? if so thats normal, its the rockers clapping due to the lifters not being pumped up yet. id let it idle for a bit longer, can take up to 5 to 10 minutes for them to shut up and smooth out.

low oil light is the sensor in the front of the oil pan, make sure its plugged in and or not broken.

with your aeroforce you should be able to do a crank learn. it can help to get things synced up.

dont do that till its running smooth tho, cause you need to floor it in park till it hits the limiter.

I never had luck with the aeroforce relearn. I will try once it's running. I have HPT also I can use. Thanks I will update tomorrow after 3.

Ported heads but no Cam?

Hmmmmm... Waste in my opinion. If you used assembly lube, packed the oil pump with Vaseline, soaked lifters, pushrods, rockers and all in oil, etc. I would just crank and start it up. Clickity clack for a few seconds, then it smooths out, no worries unless you didn't do something right. What doesn't sound good? Can you post a short clip, 5sec vid? All the plug wires on correctly?

coolone, it was just a self done port, nothing major. I have the 1.8 roller rockers. I was contemplating a cam but decided to stay with rockers.

I unfortunately did not use vaseline on the pump. I filled the oil filter and turned it over a couple times by hand. Then I pulled the fuel injector fuse and cranked it over for about 5-10 seconds twice. I didn't want to push it. I seen somewhere here that someone used an air fitting to prime the pump but I can not find it. I may stop by Summit and grab a new oil pressure sensor with a digital gauge????? I can post a clip around 4pm. what hosting site do you use for that?

Well, I am a complete f-ing moron!!!! I pulled the oil filter housing and put the oil pressure spring assembly in the correct way. I was running all that I did through my head and realized I put it in wrong. It runs good now!! Now I have to find were the fuel vapor smell near the rear of the car is coming from.
This car was a mess!! Abs wiring for the front two harnesses were broken from someone's previous repair. The front cover gasket was wasted, intake leaking, heads plugged from dexcool, and a bunch of other crap. Luckily I had two cars worth of parts to interchange. Now I need to tune it.

good thing you didnt run it all that long. no oil pressure will make it rap and knock around for sure.