Ilikebikes

So I want to bump start a 4BT that isn't in a truck - it's on my garage floor/engine hoist. How can I bump start this thing using jumper cables and a spare battery I have laying around? I'm hoping there is a way to do this so I can see if the engine runs.

Also, I know I need 12v to the shutdown solenoid, and I know I'll need to do a little bit of fuel system priming at bleeding. Just don't know how to get the starter working.

crewcabxlt

battery ground to engine, big positive cable to starter, put 12v to the small wire on the sarter and 12v to pump. use caution !

93flatbed

Have that sucker tied down real good too! You don't want your new engine running sideways on the floor.

Ilikebikes

Thanks! I have to adjust the valves, toss the covers back on and get a jug of fuel and I'll see if the little baby cummins fires. Can't wait!

BearKiller

Most likely it won't go anywhere if you sit it on a big truck-tire, but strap it down as best you can.

I started/ran my engine numerous times while it was on the floor.

Remove the fan if it isn't already gone.

You can run these engines dry of coolant for half-a-minute or so, but don't get carried away.

Don't forget fuel draw- and return-lines stuck in a jug.

Mist a little ether across the turbo intake while cranking and it will fire right up.


Don't suck a grease-rag, house-cat, or any of the kids into the turbo.

jogl

Have a board ready to block the intake in case you need to do an emergency shut down.

I'd leave the valve covers off just to check that the top end is getting lube. Especially if it is a new to you motor.

I like to mount a fuel jug above the motor so that it is gravity feeding into the IP. Put a little inline filter in the line just before the IP.

JP.

Trebor

Nothing personal BK, but I STRONGLY DISAGREE! The 4BT engines that came with 9 mm injectors have an inherit tendency to crack cylinder heads from the injector to valve seat area with the cooling systems installed under normal operating circumstances. This has been noted several times over the past 3 years.The run dry deal is NOT going to do it any good due to the heating and cooling differentials involved. Yes, it's been stated that shop teachers run diesel engines without coolant for minutes at a time but they don't have to personally pay for replacement parts and if one breaks it provides a lesson plan to diagnose the repair funded by someone else. Like any other salaried government funded employee, they are NOT spending their own money.

The most recent of many reports, 4BT HEAD CRACKS episode:
http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/showthread.php?14826 <=Cracked-Head


Personally, I refuse to run any B-Series Cummins engine without coolant for more than 30 seconds maximum & never repeatedly without a cooling down period. But hey, it's your engines, your dollar$, and your decision.

Trebor/AKA BobS
4BT Swaps Administrator

BearKiller

I doctored my statement a little.


I figured thirty seconds to be a "long time", but others might have mis-interperitted me to mean half-a-day.


Many times, I know what I mean to relay, but lose my meaning between my thoughts and the key-board.