With this topic coming up periodically, it always makes me wonder what they did in the factory when the cars were built. When the engine was built, did they pre-fill the oil and do a similar run-in before the engine was installed in the car, or was the oil put in on the assembly line and the complete car driven off the end of the line with no concern for getting oil pressure before starting the engine. 

I use a boat oil change (winterizing) pump.  Basically its a bucket with a little 12V pump on the lid, you can pull old inboard boat engine oil out through the dipstick tube, then refill it with new oil.  I plumbed mine with an SAE fitting on the pump so I can attach a line right to the Mini oil filter inlet, and turn the disconnected oil cooler hose to direct oil to a bucket. I run the oil change pump until the dash gauge shows good oil pressure, then spin the starter with plugs out, until I see good oil flow from the engine oil pump to the catch bucket.  Then reconnect and start engine.

Hi Jim, Great to see your progress! I guess I'll start with Several obvious prep items: Prime the oil pump up at the "Clutch End" 'spring and ball' Oil pressure fitting Possibly put a tablespoon of plain old dino oil in each spark plug hole, this is partially dependent on the engine builder and how "lube friendly they were with the reassembly.... have a spare set of new plugs on hand Consider putting your battery on a charger now in prep for a bit more cranking Best, MSH

How do you properly start a rebuilt mini engine that has been sitting for one year and 11 months waiting for this moment? 

 

I have another thread "Rolling Restoration". For the past couple of months I've been going through the exterior; prepping it for paint.

 

The past week and half, I pulled the original engine, suspension, steering rack, etc. The new SPI engine is in and should be finished with all the electrical, injection intake and other bits today.  

 

This SPI engine was rebuilt by another mini enthusiast who rebuilds about 5 mini engines every winter. I had him do this engine in 2023. It has been stored in the back of my unheated garage for almost two years. I taped the ports with gorilla tape. I have not done anything to this engine (not turning the crank) except place it in the mini.

 

How do I properly start this engine? Thanks for your answers. Jim