Oddball question

[WilBury]

I don't want to even start my rebuilt engine 'til I'm able to put a load on it. The only way I can figure to do that on my crawler is to mount up the loader frame first so I can lift a capacity load. Trouble is it's 20 yards away hanging from my tree hoist. I can tow the crawler partway with the pickup but the last few yards I'd have to throw a ratchet on the tranny input, again. It's a little far so I'd prefer to just use the starter (standard clutch). I promise not to abuse it, much. First gear doesn't need a lot of torque.

Here's the thing. Is there any problem with cranking the diesel for a while with the fuel shut off? Am I going to harm the engine in any way before first start?

 

[jon f mn]

There is no reason I know of not to start
it and drive it over. A lot of idling is n
good, but an hour or so before loading is
how I do it. I would think that is better
than prolonged cranking without starting.

 

[WilBury]

I was afraid you'd say that...

Still wondering about cranking with fuel shut off tho. Besides, it'll be hours til I get that loader frame bolted up and hydraulics done.

This post was edited by WilBury on 10/11/2022 at 07:04 pm.

 

[casecollectorsc]

Start it up and run it...do less harm to the engine than cranking with the starter with low oil pressure.

 

[WilBury]

OK, no driving around with the starter, lol.
I'm still reluctant to run it for longer than warmup without starting to put a load on it. Reckon I'll ratchet it around the yard...

 

[casecollectorsc]

I have overhauled many engines and have never been concerned about them idling at 1000 rpm for a reasonable amount of time. I'd fire it
up to make sure it runs okay before attaching the loader again, what if it has to come apart again??

 

[WilBury]

Hmmm, good point. Just that it'll be a few starts before loading it up.