Cold Start Sequence

[ZForceRacing01]

Ok, I have three switches in the car. Please Correct me if I am mistaken on my description.

Red-Cranks the car

Black- Main Power (Which I may be mistaken since the car still cranks when this switch is off)

White- Turn on the electric fuel pump. 

This is what I was told to cold start.
1. Enage red switch for about 40 seconds. This will draw oil up to the top of the motor and ensure im not running the top dry.

2. Then enagage white and black switch and fire up the car.

Is this correct or did I misunderstand?

[VMS Motorsports]

That makes no sense. There is no switch to pump oil to the top end

[Jason Treschl Racing]

Do you not have a starter button? My switch layout is, starter button, electrical power (ignition/fuel pump), fan switch.

[justfreaky]

I am guessing his red switch is the starter button.

Steve

[chadvarner85]

John, the sequence you use is correct. Running the starter switch with the ignition off allows the engine to prime with oil. After that it should be good to fire up.
People that dont think that extra prime step is necessary, just pull one of the valve cover bolts out and turn the engine over and see how long it takes for oil to spew out... 

[VMS Motorsports]

So are you talking about manually holding the push button starter switch in and cranking the motor over with the ignition off for 40 seconds?
I wouldn't do it, but yes, that would pump oil up. Are you talking doing this weekly, or are you talking about bleeding air from the oiling system after extended periods of time (off season), or after an oil change? Then, yes you should bleed it, but just sitting in the car cranking it over is not the best way

[justfreaky]

Jim,
I think it is all about getting some oil pumping thru the engine before starting.. I think 30 seconds is enough; But my opinion.

John,
Should work fine.

Steve

[VMS Motorsports]

I just don't think it's necessary, that's all.

Haven't lost an engine to oiling issues in the 8 years we've built them, and I don't prime the oiling system, except after oil changes and after sitting during the 8 month off season. We do race 2-3 times a week though and use quality synthetic oil, maybe the original poster doesn't race that often.

People put 50,000+ miles on these engines in their motorcycles without the added top end oiler, and they didn't crank the engine for 30 seconds every morning.

Not going to hurt anything to do it, besides overheating the starter, just not necessary in my opinion

[justfreaky]

John is the cautious type. Nothing wrong with that. (First year)
Something else people tend to blow of is checking nuts and bolts.
Better to err on the side of caution.

Steve

[chadvarner85]

I do agree 40 sec is prob way to long... i was referring more to the procedure, i dont do this everytime i start the car but if the car has been setting for a long period of time( over a day).... not saying you will lose an engine if you dont but i do know how long it takes for oil to get to the top end... i dont want mine to run dry that long...
Just my 2 cents, but im not an engine builder

[ZForceRacing01]

Thanks for your input. Yes cranking 40 sec is probably a bit much. Goinng to back it down to 25 -30. I swear I can hear my starter crying please stop!

I race one or twice a month depending on my work schedule.

Overcautious? Yes I guess I am. I get a little anal when it comes to making sure my stuff is right.

Plus I just dropped 2k on a head so I have this new motivation to make sure everything is perfect so I'm not back at the engine shop.

There is no owners manual on these things, so when I hear something I float it on here and see what you guys think.

 That is why I ask so many questions on here.

I have no fan switch but I can probably rewire so the fuel pump and main power are together. Or I guess I could just add a switch.

[justfreaky]

John,

Main power tied to the fuel pump is a good thing. Only one switch to flip if you need to shut down in a hurry.
Nothing wrong with being cautious. Parts are not cheap for these engines (as you have already found out).
Not anything wrong with asking lots of questions either. Your questions may help someone else.
Best of Luck my friend,

Steve