Prestart engine lube....does this work?

[YerDugliness]

Sorry if I wasn't clear, guys....I'm aware of break-in startup procedures, I was talking about everyday use, or at least starting the engine after it had been sitting for a couple of weeks or so (I haven't started the engine in the Cobra for about a year now, but I plan on it soon, so I have a real reason to hope there will be some benefit).

Originally Posted by bobcowan

All the data seems to indicate that pre-oiling the engine before starting decreases initial wear, and the engine will last longer. But, keep in mind that a well maintained engine will easily last 100-150K miles. How much longer do you need?

Well, I suspect that a well-maintained engine built for stock or near stock use might well last that long, but think about the stresses imposed by the type of driving we all enjoy (we don't have Cobras so we can drive like Grandma, now, do we.....unless she was that legendary "Little Ol' Lady from Pasadena").

I plan on building an engine that will withstand some high RPM, spirited use, last me a reasonable amount of time (I'd be happy with 50,000 miles) and then take a rebuild without having to be bored for larger pistons or have the crank ground. I'd rather invest up front than later down the line. I'm not the type to over-rev my engine, I'll be very careful about honoring the redline the engine builder recommends, for me it's all about reliability and durability.

Originally Posted by bobcowan

I think you wasted your time and efforts by disconnecting the coil wire.

I suspect you actually did more damage than good, by cranking it so long at a low rpm - but I could be wrong.

I've often wondered, Bob....my hope was to avoid excess "wear and tear" on the rod bearings by not starting the engine without lube on them after having set up for a while. I believed that disconnecting the coil wire would eliminate the "pressure" of the combustion event, hoping that the bearings would be spared the pounding from the exploding air/fuel mixture until there was lubrication from the dry-spin by the starter.

I'm sure that the Accusump system would be superior in achieving my goals here, and in the end I'll probably invest in something of the sort in yet another effort to keep the engine alive longer. I'm just wondering if it really is necessary, or if spinning the engine without letting it fire up might provide the protection I need.

Thanks, guys.....post on, please.

Cheers from Dugly