Setting Your Engine For Instant First Start

A crucial part of the camshaft break in procedure is making sure your engine starts and runs within just a few revolutions. Here's how to set up your ignition for an instant start.
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[bbbcid]

When I did my 455, I spent almost all my machine shop money on solid reliability instead of go-fast. I bought a book on building just that engine. I forget who wrote it, and I leant it out and never got it back. But it was a great great book. I followed it to the letter. Instant start, went right to temp and didn't overheat, great engine. My point is: always stack the deck in your favor, get the most knowledge you can. UTG is a library full of great info, for free. Thanks Tony.

[dirtyburd]

Those first start ups are always exciting! Even if you "know" you did everything right, the experience is always satisfying when it lights off! Nope, you didn't miss a thing.

[mikeoster]

My neighbor's 63 TBird has been siting idle for many years. A friend left it in his garage and passed away, then my neighbor passed away and left it to me. In the past few weeks I have just been working on getting it started. Watching alot of Uncle Tony (especially the series "Your first Engine Job"). Today (with Tony's help) and this video, it fired off! Thanks Tony!

[raiderjohnthemadbomber]

I can't imagine the number of engines you saved with this video. Your videos are always great, no BSing around and always the straight dope. Hope you never quit educating those who really want their stuff right. See ya tomorrow!

[adamvandenoever]

I just rebuilt the 440 in my 69 Coronet RT. Im not a gear head by any means. Bought a book and watched u tube videos. I followed your video here and ill be damned if she didnt fire up immedietly. Fresh build...car had sat for 10 yrs before that. My buddies snickered. Told me you cant avoid the continuous cranking over on a new build. Just wanted to thank you.

[clutchkickerison]

I just hope ya realize what a service you provide and how much 'we the people' appreciate it, THANK YOU Uncle Tony.

[CptBlackbeardlives]

Always feels like magic when all those parts you assembled comes to life.

[brianbrigg]

I learned setting the initial timing from my father. With the engine set 10 degrees BTDC he used a cigarette paper in the points and would advance the distributor until the paper could be pulled out easily. That gave just a few degrees over the 10. Most engines that I worked on like that couldn't be turned over one full crank rotation without starting.

[Kevin-kbuq]

A fella learns more in one of Tony's videos than 9 month of auto shop class!

[JacksoNR]

Coming from modern engine experience only, these old school engine videos are a life saver, I love these classic muscle car engines

[jyduality]

Tony man I’ve been watching your videos since this channels inception. Your knowledge, insights & wisdom is something you can’t find in the world today. Thank you for everything you do man 🤙🏼

[mikeohl]

This is exactly what I needed when I needed it. I just got my engine back from the machine shop yesterday. Looking forward to getting it finished and fired up! Thanks Uncle Tony à

[patwelter]

I followed this to a "T" before the first start of my rebuilt 340. It started on the first touch of the screwdriver on the relay. Scared me so bad I dropped the tool. Thanks for the video. We broke in the cam, and it starts right now with the twist of the key.

[Hittman]

Uncle Tony, You made that very clear. I am 77 years old, when we were kids, you know 15, 16 years old working on cars. We used the cellophane from our pack of smoke's to set when the points were opening. I don't think we knew about moving the rotor back, I am thinking maybe we rotated the engine by hand until the points started to open. Your videos bring back some great memories. One of the fastest cars I had was a 1960 Dodge Matador D500. I wish I had know a fraction of the information that you share, keep up the good work!

[bicylindrico]

Great advice and I agree on everything Tony. Have a light attached and ready when you start to crank over before fuel even hits the engine and you can see the ignition is in the ballpark before she gets fuel. RPM's are critical on first fire and you can dial in the timing once spinning at break-in speed. That break-in lube will stick around until she starts slingin' oil if you aren't wasting time. Teamwork helps on first fire.

[jmm]

Rebuilt my first LA 318 and was having issues getting it started. I then followed UTs instructions and started right up . Thank you sir for all your help.

[edkellogg]

My machine shop guy told me about this very same procedure on the startup for my newly rebuilt 440 worked like a charm it started up so fast it actually startled me, very sound advice that most people don't know about.

[oscarwalton]

I'm convinced that car likes it there it always comes back to your shop

[JPSpecial]

Hi Uncle Tony and Uncle Kathy! I've been restoring a vehicle that I bought from my brother in 1992. I rebuilt the original engine with a mechanic friend. I watched all of your home engine build videos. This one was the very best. The engine fired up just like you said. Instantly at 2500rpm, and you should have seen the stunned look on my buddy's face. Rochester Quadrajet and factory points... Can't thank you both enough!! Take care..

[kcav]

Great advice Tony, I haven't built an engine in over twenty years but this video brought it all back to me. One tip I share with anybody; When filling with coolant, I've always kept one heater hose off the engine until I see coolant coming out of the hose (maybe have a buddy put thumb over the nipple on the engine) then quickly join the hose and nipple and violla' it's totally full of coolant. Maybe a small leak to clean up but it's no big deal. See ya tomorrow