I've got an engine in unknown condition (bought it cheap for the 4 bolt main block) and would like to start it up without going through the hassle of installing it in the car.

I have it on a stand now and it looks like everything would clear. The flywheel is close though. Basically I'll hook up the water lines (the radiator is on the bench too now), a fuel line, and the electrical to the starter.

Anybody tried to start an engine on a stand before? Any issues I'm not thinking of? Thanks.

 

Yes it can be done. Not a problem.

It needs a SAFE fuel supply.

It needs to be restrained from tipping tiself over. Remember, the act of producing rotating power to the crank, is accomplished by the block trying to get spun the opposite way from the crank rotation (the equal and opposite reaction). The engine MUST be restrained from doing that; it WILL fling itself across your garage, stand and all, if you have it sitting there and you suddenly rap up the RPMs. I suggest putting the stand under a beam, and lifting part of its weight with a chain hoist or something, to stabilize it.

 

definately make sure its secure, then make it even more secure. If you just plan on firing it up to see if it runs you dont even have to hook up a radiator and whatnot. A motor will run longer than you might think without any coolant. It'd probably be a good idea to get a cheapie mechanical oil pressure gauge to verify it has good oil pressure.

 

I made a test stand out of lumber once.
It was fine. It seemed like a good idea to keep the engine close to the ground, rather than up high as on a rebuilding stand.
Plus if you make a wood stand, you can secure the engine on it's original mounts. Get the picture?