Corvair Forum

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..?

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.

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

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.


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Great responses - thank you everyone!


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Is it possible to start the engine on a stand with a torque converter? Or do I need to have a flywheel instead?

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?