Cranking an engine without starting the engine
 

Hi All,

I'm doing my first change on a bugeye next week and I want to know if there is a way to crank the engine without actually starting it. I want to do this to allow the oil to circulate before the engine is running. Can anyone tell me how to do this and give me a dummy's guide.

Thanks in advance!

Hi i just remove the leads of the coil pack, others told me to remove crank sensor i think i was told but double check that one.

Also many say to fill the oil filter with oil before fitting it.

Either remove the plug for the crank sensor ( Front of engine below alternator, brown coloured plug i remember correctly ) crank for approx 7-8 seconds a couple of times, better this way as there will be no spark or fuel entering the cylinder's when cranking , with leads disconnected fuel is still being put in to the engine.

Fill new oil filter 3/4 full with new oil and apply a little bit around the seal at the top before fitting, helps the seal actually create a oiltight seal

What they said above, make sure u prime the filter first by filling with oil will take
A few minuets as it soaks in..

Easiet way to crank without firing would be just to discon the crank sensor directly under the alternator

Unless you refill days after you drain the old oil (when most of the oil will have drained down) I wouldn't even bother. Fill the replacement filter with oil and make sure it's filled completely. Drain the old oil, replace the drain plug washer and refit, replace the filter, fill the engine with oil (don't overfill) then fire her up.

There are all sorts of tales of Subaru engines immediately failing after an oil change but I can't think why. I've changed the oil this way on mine and several other Subarus with no issues. Subaru themselves don't even recommend filling the filter first.

Same as pab, never had an issue,

Just fill the filter first n crank

Ditto drain the oil replace the filter with a pre-filled item. Fill the oil up and start up, allow to idle for a couple of minutes whilst checking for leaks, switch off and check the level.