How to run a 3.2 engine in the ground ?

[Jim Wolf]

Hello Guys,

I have an 88 3.2 Euro carrera engine and I would like to get it started in the ground.I have a special made gas tank with in/out for the f.i. pump.

I am worried for a rod knock.I have turn over the engine w/o spark plugs with the starter and no noises here.But maybe when it starts the rod knock may occur (if has a bad rod). ???

Thank you,
Jim

[Jim Wolf]

Forgot to mention :

Leakdown is 2-4 % in all cylinders.
All head studs are intact and properly torqued.

[3.2 CAB]

That sounds very likely. The engine just being turned over by hand or by the starter without the spark plugs, does not have the compression factors that I think would be needed to really tell. You might be able to hear it with a stethoscope while it is being turned over with the starter without the plugs or compression, but I think that a dry run attempt without spark or fuel, with the spark plugs installed would give a better chance of finding a spun bearing, while cranking and using a stethoscope. If that fails, you might want to give it a quick try with a true start-up, so you would have compression and combustion factors playing their part. Then it should be fairly easy to check. Good luck!! Tony.

[Randy W]

If you have a bad rod bearing you will hear it by cranking without a spark (stethoscope may not be needed). If you want to run a 3.2 engine into the ground, let me drive it.

[jomama]

a comp test should tell you what cyl it is. just remember the more you run the motor the more it will cost to repair.i just had the same problem if its knocking.and your oil looks like metal flake paint there is a good chance of it.good luck