Congratulations on successfully rebuilding your engine! After spending time and effort rebuilding your engine, it’s frustrating to find that your engine is hard to turn over. Don’t worry, this is a common issue that many engine rebuilders face. In this article, we’ll explore why your engine is hard to turn over after a rebuild and provide some tips on how to fix it.
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Why Does Engine Hard to Turn Over After a Rebuild?
There are several reasons for the issue. These are –
Lack of Lubrication
One of the most common reasons why an engine is hard to turn over after a rebuild is due to a lack of lubrication. During the engine rebuild process, all the engine parts are cleaned and assembled.
When the engine is started for the first time, the oil pump has to work harder to push the oil throughout the engine, causing the engine to turn over slowly. It’s important to prime the oil pump and ensure that there’s adequate oil flow to all the engine components.
Sticking Piston Rings
Another reason why your engine is hard to turn over after a rebuild is due to sticking piston rings. During the engine rebuild process, the cylinder walls are honed and new piston rings are installed. If the rings aren’t installed correctly or the cylinder walls aren’t honed correctly, the rings can stick and cause the engine to turn over slowly.
It’s essential to ensure that the piston rings are installed correctly, and the cylinder walls are honed to the correct specifications.
Compression Issues
Compression issues are another common reason why an engine is hard to turn over after a rebuild. The cylinder head gasket, valves, and pistons are critical components that need to be assembled correctly. If there’s an issue with any of these components, it can cause compression issues, leading to hard starting. It’s important to ensure that these components are assembled correctly, and there are no leaks.
Starter Motor Issues
Sometimes, the engine is hard to turn over after a rebuild due to issues with the starter motor. The starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over, and if it’s not functioning correctly, it can cause slow cranking. A faulty starter motor can be caused by a bad solenoid, worn brushes, or a damaged armature. It’s important to test the starter motor and ensure that it’s functioning correctly.
How to Fix Your Engine Hard to Turn Over After a Rebuild?
Follow the tips below to fix the issue –
Priming the Oil Pump
If your engine is hard to turn over due to a lack of lubrication, you can prime the oil pump. Priming the oil pump involves filling the oil pump with oil and turning the engine over without starting it. This process will push oil throughout the engine and ensure that all the engine components are adequately lubricated. This process will make it easier for the engine to turn over.
Checking and Adjusting Piston Rings and Cylinder Walls
If your engine is hard to turn over due to sticking piston rings, you can check and adjust the piston rings and cylinder walls. Remove the piston rings and check for any damage or signs of sticking. If the rings are damaged or sticking, you can replace them.
You can also hone the cylinder walls to the correct specifications. This process will ensure that the rings move freely, and the engine turns over smoothly.
Checking and Adjusting Compression
If your engine is hard to turn over due to compression issues, check and adjust the compression. You can perform a compression test to check the compression of each cylinder. If there’s an issue with the compression, check the cylinder head gasket, valves and pistons to ensure that they’re assembled correctly. You can also check for any leaks and repair them. This process will ensure that the engine is producing adequate compression and will turn over smoothly.
Testing and Repairing the Starter Motor
If your engine is hard to turn over due to issues with the starter motor, you can test and repair the starter motor. Use a multimeter to test the solenoid, brushes, and armature. If any of these components are faulty, you can replace them.
You can also clean and lubricate the starter motor to ensure that it’s functioning correctly. This process will ensure that the starter motor is turning the engine over correctly, and the engine is turning over smoothly.
Conclusion
It’s common for an engine to be hard to turn over after a rebuild. Follow the ways on above to fix the engine that is hard to turn over. With proper maintenance and care, your rebuilt engine should turn over smoothly and perform well.