Manual - Chapter 1 Engine

37. starting and running the rebuilt engine

1. Start the engine using the usual procedure adopted for a cold engine. Do not be disillusioned if there is no sign of life initially. A certain amount of perseverance may prove necessary to coax the engine into activity even if new parts have not been fitted. Should the engine persist in not starting, check that the spark plugs have not become fouled by the oil used during reassembly. Failing this go through the fault finding charts and work out what the problem is methodically.
2. When the engine does start, keep it running as slowly as possible to allow the oil to circulate. The oil warning light should go out almost immediately the engine has started, although in certain instances a very short delay can occur whilst the oilways fill and the pressure builds up. If the light does not go out, the engine should be stopped before damage can occur, and the cause determined. Open the choke as soon as the engine will run without it. During the initial running, a certain amount of smoke may be in evidence due to the oil used in the reassembly sequence being burnt away. The resulting smoke should gradually subside.
3. Check the engine for blowing gaskets and oil leaks. Before using the machine on the road, check that all the gears select properly, and that the controls function correctly.
4. When the machine has reached normal operating temperature, check the coolant level at the radiator filler neck. Top up if necessary (see Chapter 4 - Cooling) and fit the cap, then check the expansion tank level.
5. If the ignition trigger assembly was disturbed and the ignition timing is still to be checked, ride the machine slowly and carefully to the nearest BMW dealer for the work to be done as soon as possible.
6. Finally, check the engine oil level and top up if necessary, as described in Routine Maintenance - Oil check.

Next Section: Reassembling 38: taking the rebuilt machine on the road