First Start

[rodo]

Okay, I'm close to trying to crank the engine for the first time in seven or so years. Not drained the old oil, nor filled coolant yet (w water for test) but did the valves, new belt, lots of new everything. Issue is this: my entire dash is apart and out, nothing connected. I assumed this would not be an issue but flipping through the old FIAT electrical diagnostic guide last night I discovered it read: "Do not start the engine with the instrument cluster disconnected." Well...why? This is under the section: "the following special notes apply to the Marelli electronic ignition system."

Of course, I'm worried about doing so but also didn't want the headache of connected it all again before I put the dashboard back in place. Any thoughts?

[DRUMMOND]

hi rodo
how are you going to check you oil pressure ?

[rodo]

Good point. Also, I think I was getting worked up about nothing: it is not a big deal to plug in the five gauges. Just at a weird point in the work. I want to see if I can get the engine to fire but I'm miles away from driveability. Suspension needs a ton of work and all the brake components are long past their expiration date. But if I could start the engine...well, it would make me feel better and also prove to the wife that I am, in fact, a real man.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I'm not familiar with the electronic ignition system in terms of the circuit design, but my other hobby is electronics and, I can say that some transistor circuits are not happy with no "load" on their output. Kinda the same reason many modern stereo amplifiers will advise you not to run the amplifier without the speakers connected. Having the gauges disconnected may remove an electrical load that the electronic ignition system wants to see. So, I'd connect the gauges and go from there.

One tip: Before starting the engine, remove all 4 sparkplugs and tuck the spark plug wires where they won't short to any metal items on the top of the engine. Make sure your battery is fully charged, and crank the engine 10 seconds or so, or at least until you see a little bit of oil pressure on the gauge. This gets oil up into the engine without putting significant loads on various bearing surfaces. Then reinsert your sparkplugs, connect the wires, and see if the engine starts.

Oh, and without going into specifics, you do have many options to prove to your wife that you are a real man...!

-Bryan

[rodo]

Thanks, Bryan. I'll plug it up and see how it goes.

I will be a man again!!!