will motor run outside of a car?

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Going4joe
Posts: 39
Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2016 12:37 am

will motor run outside of a car?

Post by Going4joe »

Is there a way to start a complete Corvair motor that is not in a car, but on a bench? I dont know if this is possible - with no starter to engage the fly wheel, not sure how this could work but someone told me they thought it "might" be possible..?
cnicol
Posts: 546
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:11 pm

Re: will motor run outside of a car?

Post by cnicol »

Yes, no problem though I suggest the floor instead of a bench.
Sit the engine on a piece of wood.
Use lug nuts to space the starter off the bell housing
Manual trans flywheel and pressure plate. (Torque converter would be damaged)
Gas to inlet tube
Battery charger to run coil
Remote starter button to crank
This has been done thousands of times over the years.
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'61 140 PG Rampside
'66 Rear Alum V8 4-dr
'60 Monza PG coupe (sold, sniff, sniff)
'66 Corsa Fitch Sprint Conv. (First car 1971, recently repurchased)
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acarlson
Posts: 454
Joined: Wed Nov 02, 2016 5:54 pm
Location: Dahlonega, GA

Re: will motor run outside of a car?

Post by acarlson »

Going4joe wrote: Wed Sep 06, 2017 2:41 pm Is there a way to start a complete Corvair motor that is not in a car, but on a bench? I dont know if this is possible - with no starter to engage the fly wheel, not sure how this could work but someone told me they thought it "might" be possible..?
Well, you will need the starter installed...

However, if you solve that problem, the following post will explain the electronics:
viewtopic.php?f=55&t=13411#p92590

If you don't have an electronic ignition like the XR-700 it still works with the stock ignition system. The key is the ballast resistor which is a $5.00 part from an auto parts store and a remote starter switch.

Alec
Alec Carlson
Dahlonega, GA
1965 Regal Red Corsa 4 Speed Turbo Convertible
Restoration "In Progress"...
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SeamusNZ
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Joined: Fri Sep 16, 2016 3:11 pm

Re: will motor run outside of a car?

Post by SeamusNZ »

I started my engine several times while attached to an engine stand. It worked great. I used washers to provide the appropriate spacing between the bell housing and the starter.Image


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Going4joe
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Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2016 12:37 am

Re: will motor run outside of a car?

Post by Going4joe »

Great responses - thank you everyone!


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Trenchman
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Re: will motor run outside of a car?

Post by Trenchman »

Is it possible to start the engine on a stand with a torque converter? Or do I need to have a flywheel instead?
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terribleted
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Re: will motor run outside of a car?

Post by terribleted »

really need a pressure plate and flywheel as the torque convertor will flex around on the flex plate during start and gear damage is likely. You can simply install the transaxle to the engine with torque convertor in place and then start it. will be just like it is in the car then. I had a complete powerglide powertrain that I started and ran for a number of years sitting on a furniture dolly. I started it every couple months to keep the oil circulated and the gas in the carbs fresh etc. The engine has since gone into service in another car. Anyone want a complete 61-63 3.55POSI Powerglide transaxle?
Corvair guy since 1982. I have personally restored at least 20 Vairs, many of them restored ground up.
Currently working full time repairing Corvairs and restoring old cars.
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Located in Snellville, Georgia
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