Can I start up my 455 on my motor stand, after I rebuild it? Has anyone done this? It is a safe thing to do, the stand has a 1,500 pound capacity. This will be my first full rebuild so I would like to run it before puting it in a car. Is this a dumb idea?
Don't try that at home kiddies.. Seriously, take it to a shop with a dyno, prolly cost you $500. Otherwise, do it in the car.:bglasses: If you decide to anyway, vidio it so you could send it in to the "Jack A$$" show!:Smarty:
All my Olds and Chebby buds here run 'em on a stand first before installing. Good way to check for leaks and other problems that are easier to fix out of the car. Just don't rev it hard or high. A stand with 4 wheels is better, more stable.
You need a run stand made specifically for that. The problem is the torquing of the motor will tip the stand over. I wouldn't do it with an engine stand, no way!
In the world of old wooden boats (lots of automotive engines converted to maring inboard use), it's "common" to run an engine on a stand, but the stand in question is normally a wooden frame that holds the engine just like it would be in the boat. Lots lower to the ground than an automotive engine stand...more secure, too. You oughta be able to build something safe and secure out of some 4x4's... Or I guess you could rig up some braces from the motor mounts down to the legs of your automotive engine stand... But I'd rather go find a dyno, not only safer/more secure, but you can get some real numbers!
Our machine shop just purchased a machine that spins the motor and pumps warmed oil through it. we were able to break in the cam without ever starting the motor. You run it on the machine with no intake, valve covers or oil pan, so all the "crud" from the rebuild ends up on the floor, not in the pan. You can also see all the parts moving and verify that oil is getting to all the right places. Our guy (Jeff Cote, Cote's machine shop in Bowdoinham, Maine) charged us $45 for 40 minutes of break in time. I highly recommend it! we would have spent that much in gas to break in the cam with the motor running. Every motor we build will get this treatment.
What about modifying one of those engine cradles with the castors on them? About a foot off the ground and 4 points of contact with the engine.
Yeah, I'll weld up a frame for the motor so it sits as low as possible then I'll bolt it to the frame. If I can find a shop that will only charge me 50 bucks to run it then I will do that. Thanks.
Somewhere on the board this week I saw exactly what you are looking for. They had built a stand to run there motors on. Right now I can't remembaer where. Maybe a search for motor stands would find it. Rick
I ran my 455 Olds on a "normal" engine stand, with a radiator, fan, and gauges connected to it. No problem with torque "tipping over" the engine stand. There is no load on the engine, so there is very little torque reaction. Yes, it does move some.
My dad and I used to run all of our engines on a stand when we did street vehicles just because of the difficulty in pulling an engine back out if something wen't wrong. Ours was similar to the one pictured but not as fancy. Make sure it is stable. Use good guages and an electric fan. Heat can be an issue because it isn't moving. We always kept a garden hose nearby to squirt on, not in, the radiator if needed. The exhaust gets very hot during cam break in too because of high engine speed and no air circulation. This can discolor headers if you have chrome or coatings on them. Paint is a goner. I have heard of guys starting 350 chevys with them just sitting on the floor and let them bounce around. Maybe that explains something about those chevy guys. Way too much beer.
A buddy of mine started a SBC while it was sitting in his yard. He and his buddy were young and really needed to know if the engine was good so why not??? They found the answer to Why Not! It started vibrating down a bank and off into a fire hall parking lot. Finally got stopped on a set of railroad tracks. All this, may I add, while they both were riding it and trying to pull the coil wire off!!! They both got banged up and really bruised their egos. I would have loved to have seen it!! I know people running engines on regular stands. Don't use the el-cheapo 3 wheeled ones. I think just running it and not pounding the throttle would be safe.
Ha Ha!! Thats great. I have a 1500 pound capacity stand with 4 wheels and I was thinking I could weld on extra suports on each side to bolt up the motor mounts. Also I could make some extra outriggers extending from the stand for stability. Anyone think this would still be unsafe? If so I'll build a unit like the one above. I have the materials and a welder I'd just rather have one unit to work on and run it. Thanks again for all the input.
seen it done When I bought my used 455, BOP CONNECTION does it like this...hang it from a cherry picker, or engine crane. When it does twist from revving, it just moves in the air. I got it on video, sounds great with nothing on but manifolds! Just hang it low so the center of gravity is low. - Bill
Sounds like the perfect time and place to bring up "Using the right tool for the job" and (as I tell my wife constantly) "A butter knife is NOT a screwdriver!". Buy the dyno time or build one like that very cool one pictured!
