9 replies to this topic

[tommy]

Just ripped an MG engine out of a metro at local scrappy, with a view to dropping it into my currently 998 powered min. I would like to test this engine before installing it, as a safeguard.

My crazy theory; I intend to disconnect petrol line and neccesary parts of the wiring loom from my current 998, BUT leave the 998 in the engine bay. Then, i intend to extend petrol line and wiring loom with tempoary connections outwards, and connect them to the mg engine, which will be mounted to an old worktop or similar, and (attempted) to start up, so i can evaluate whether it is in working order, and worth using in my car.

So, if there are any major details which i have neglected to consider, or whether you believe catagorically that my theory will fail i would love to hear your opinions and suggestions.

Cheers!

Tom.

[Purple Tom]

I can't see any major problems.

But:

- It will be very noisy without an exhaust system fitted.

- Cooling will be an issue, you will only be able to run it for a short amount of time.

- You will need to keep the pot joints in place, so as to keep the oil in the gearbox.

- It will move if its not bolted down, make sure it is secure and can't fall over.

- On the cooling front, you could rig up a barrel of water next to the engine connected to the top and bottom hoses - if not then be prepared for water to *yellow human water* out of the water pump and also out of the top hose (but not a lot providing it has a thermostat fitted).


Can't think of anything else, other people will be bound to though.

Tom :grin:

[chairchild]

if you keep the cooling system intact, it should fend for itself - if not, just put a hosepipe into the water pump intake, fed from a tap!!!

And you may be better off making some sort of platform from wood, that uses the standard mounting points...........


Or you could just wedge it with a couple of tyres :wink:

[Jordie]

a lad i know built a test bed

It was solid steel 4" tube with mount plates in correct place to support engine.

He had a battery, a wiring loom he made, fuel hose connected a small tank.

The whole thing rocked/vibrated like mad but it was usefull. Might be because it was on wheels. but i would strap the engine to floor if i was you.

[dklawson]

I've seen pictures of this done where a support frame was built using 4"x4" framing lumber. The complete cooling system was installed as was a temporarily exhaust system (resting on the ground). You can gravity feed the carb float bowl from a gas can so you don't have to use your car's pump... or simply fill the float bowl up and limit your run time for the amount of time it takes to run dry. You can either make electrical connections to your car's battery or use a separate battery wired temporarily to the starter and coil.

Some obvious bits of advice here are to keep a fire extinguisher handy and put switches on the wires or make them accessible so you can quickly kill the power and stop the engine.

[AlexM]

We have test rigs like this at colege, most of them are metal frames withe the engine and all of the colling system etc intact, but we have one which is a mini subframe front wheels and dials connected together, and it moves if you get it in gear!

[Guess-Works.com]

A Summer'gnu easiest thing to do is just use an old Subframe... you can then weld in some bars for steadies to stop it rocking, all you then need is a battert and some basic wiring and fuel, either gravity fed or using the pump...

It's an idea to plumb in an oil pressure guage too... ( just one on a short pipe ) and an exhaust manifold ( use some tubing to get it away from you otherwise it'll get a bit over powering.. )

[AllanMcD]

The last engine I bought I just wired it up to a spare battery riged up a fuel pipe (garden hose) to the rafters put some oil in and it fired up.
The rad was still on so I pluged the heater pipes It didnt move around much but I had a fire extinguisher handy just incase.
It was a dodle.

[Bungle]

just remember you will need some big cables for the starter and earth :smartass:

[dklawson]

A good set of jumper cables is usually sufficient to supply power to the starter motor and provide the ground connection.