LS start up precautions.

[Simmo]

Just erring on the side of caution so have to ask...

I have two LS donor wrecks (Holden Commodore's) I'm going to part out, one had a pole tap the b pillar, the other a moderate front left hit. Neither appear to have any crank/accessory or sump damage, just a squished airbox.



What's the safest start up procedure I should follow and is there anything LS specific I should check out before I crank them over?

[GeoffP]

I'm sure others will chime in with proper prelubing procedures. My plan when I start mine is to turn it over without the spark plugs in several times to pressurize the oiling system. This keeps any pressure off the bearings until they're lubed. From the way it sounds I think you'll be fine doing the same thing. I would not worry about anything being broken internally if there's no evident damage on the outside. I do have one suggestion - turn it over by hand at least 1 full revolution without the plugs in.

[Hugger67RSSS]

To pre lube the motor correctly remove the Allen head plug on the front lower drivers side of the block. Put a fitting in the block to connect some sort of pump and pump oil until it fully circulates through the motor. Use a google search it will show you

[Simmo]

Awesome, thanks guy's. Google's great.

Any more ideas/recommedations appreciated.

[sjaroslo]

FWIW, here's what GM recommends for an LSX Crate Engine:

1. These engines once complete needs to be filled with oil. After installing the engine, ensure the crankcase has been filled with the appropriate
motor oil to the recommended oil fill level on the dipstick. The LSX engines require a special oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M (this
will be specified on the oil label). Mobil 1 is one such recommended oil. Other oils meeting this standard may be identified as synthetic.
However, not all synthetic oils will meet this GM standard. Look for and use only oil that meets GM Standard GM4718M. Also check and
fill as required any other necessary fluids such as coolant, power steering fluid, etc.
2. The engine should be primed with oil before starting. Install an oil pressure gauge (the existing oil pressure sensor location at the upper
rear of the engine may be used) and disconnect the engine control system (removing power from the engine control module is generally
recommended, but check your engine control system information for additional details). Note: Disconnecting only ignition or fuel injector
connectors is not recommended- make sure the control system will not provide ignition or fuel to the engine. Removing the spark plugs will
increase cranking speed, reduce load on bearings and improve the speed at which the engine will prime.
3. Once the engine control system has been disconnected, crank the engine using the starter for 10 seconds and check for oil pressure. If no
pressure is indicated, wait 30 seconds and crank again for 10 seconds. Repeat this process until oil pressure is indicated on the gauge.