Brand new engine, priming procedure for first startup?

knowledge8069 · 05-27-2011, 07:39 PM

Does anyone know what needs to be done to a remanufactured 2.4L engine before starting it for the first time? I am going to be installing one this week and would like to know what steps to take before starting it for the first time.

I understand the part about priming the system for oil pressure before starting it, but I haven't found how exactly this is accomplished on the 2.4L. Does anything need to be lubed manually before this step? Some articles I've read say to open the engine and pour oil certain places, other contradicting articles say there is grease already put on internal parts to lube them temporarily before the oil starts flowing.

The engine is complete already, pumps and all. Here's a link to it:

http://paceperformance.com/i-5135114...s-achieva.html

If anyone could give me a procedure, I would appreciate it. You guys have saved my ass more times than I can count! Thanks for any help offered!!

[ion] C2 · 05-27-2011, 07:48 PM

You pull the fuel pump relay, unplug the IDI cover harness.

Hit the starter and crank it for as long as you want.

Plug stuff back in, start it up.

widbyj · 05-28-2011, 10:23 AM

^Correct - I bought one of those a while back, no problems. As with any PROPERLY rebuilt engine it has 'assembly lube' on all of the wearing surfaces to protect it on initial startup. Mine even already had some oil in it and the filter in place, just as pictured.

Most important - BREAK IT IN PROPERLY for best life expectancy. There are many recommendations out there (google can be your friend), as I recall the engine came with no real directions. Basically just don't be harsh to it and vary RPMs/speed for the first half-hour or so, checking often for any possible leaks or problems. Then run the heck out of it to the 200 mile mark, about one tank of gas. Change to a good oil, preferably synthetic, and you are all set to go...

knowledge8069 · 05-28-2011, 10:41 AM

Will do exactly as you two said, thanks Ion and Wid!!

[ion] C2 · 05-28-2011, 12:00 PM

Take it easy for 500 miles with varying RPM (NO HIGHWAY DRIVING), do oil change, 1000, oil change, 2000, oil change, 3000, oil change and you're back on schedule with normal oil changes.

hok666 · 05-28-2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [ion] C2

Take it easy for 500 miles with varying RPM (NO HIGHWAY DRIVING), do oil change, 1000, oil change, 2000, oil change, 3000, oil change and you're back on schedule with normal oil changes.

Why odd changing? because it is rebuilt?

[ion] C2 · 05-28-2011, 10:15 PM

Yeah to clear out any metal shavings.. Engine has to break in.. extend the time taken between changes until you're at the usual 3,000 miles or whatever you like to do.

knowledge8069 · 06-07-2011, 06:25 PM

Ordered it today, the Alero will live again! Thank you for the help!

knowledge8069 · 06-08-2011, 07:41 PM

Sorry one more question. I've been reading about static and dynamic timing adjustment, mostly in the Goodwrench engine manual. Do I have to do any timing adjustments before or after starting the engine? Can't tell if this applies to us since it is in a manual with about 30 other GM engines. Thanks!

[ion] C2 · 06-08-2011, 07:42 PM

knowledge8069 · 07-02-2011, 01:02 PM

The engine has been running perfectly for a few weeks now! The above instructions worked perfectly, thank you all for your help!

Redog · 07-02-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by [ion] C2

Take it easy for 500 miles with varying RPM (NO HIGHWAY DRIVING),

Exactly what it says in the owner's manual

Quote:

Originally Posted by [ion] C2

do oil change, 1000, oil change, 2000, oil change, 3000, oil change and you're back on schedule with normal oil changes.

Never heard of this

Quote:

Originally Posted by [ion] C2

Yeah to clear out any metal shavings.. Engine has to break in.. extend the time taken between changes until you're at the usual 3,000 miles or whatever you like to do.

But it makes sense after reading this