Cold Startup Procedure
 

Currently, I crank the engine for 5 seconds or so on the starter until I see oil pressure before I blip the throttle the bring her to life. This was recommended by a drag racing friend of mine. His theory was that it is cheaper to replace a starter than a spun main bearing.

Recently, I've read that when installing new cams you should start the engine immediately and not let it crank on the starter. How about for everyday cold startup? Am I causing unnecessary wear on my valve train?

Re: Cold Startup Procedure
 

I have clutch pedal full up to avoid any load on the crank thrust bearing without oil psi.

The main bearings will still have oil on them from the last time the engine was run. What is your drag racing buddy running that spun mains on startup is a problem?

You shouldn't need to touch the throttle to start a CIS car.

Tom

Sorry, got Webers.

Anyway, is cranking the motor with the starter hard on the valve train or anything else (except starter of course)?

a synthetic oil will remain on engine parts longer than dino oil. If you don't run the car at least 2x a week use synthetic. Otherwise Moroso makes a contraption that charges the oil before start for about $200.

I sat down with an engine builder once and over some refreshments, we decided that the number of revolutions to oil pressure were the same whether they were at cranking speed or idle speed. I start 'em right up.

Of course they don't always start right up. My CIS '77 liked life better on the second start. My MFI S motor wants 2-3 seconds of winding before it hits the chimes. And it won't run under very fast idle unitl the t-stat is warm and the rest of the motor has some heat. So, it goes from rest to 2K each cold start.

I've never worn a car engine from starting. Small gas inboards sometimes get the ignition shut down for a few sec after an outdoor winter layup.

I would be more concerned with confirming that it's a Carb eat MFI world and act accordingly.

good question. your engine will love you more if you warm everything up a bit before driving off. A Cht of around 175degF gives warmer oil and a somewhat warm engine. A single CHT ga is around $75-100. It's great info in cold winters.

I read somewhere that you never start CIS cars on the throttle and forgot this only once. Blew my airbox apart, doh!!!!!!!!!!!