Recommissioning 350i engine after 22 years

[Alan461]

Put a new battery in to see which bits still work, couldn't resist trying the starter and yes it turns over nicely.
Absolutely no petrol anywhere in the system so I knew it wouldn't fire.
Before trying it with some fuel, what precautions are advisable to avoid causing damage to what appears to be a nice clean lump with 24k original mileage?
The oil is clean although it will be changed and I guess the pump will need priming.
Plan is to get it up and running for an MOT in the new year and do a rolling resto from there on.

[KKson]

If it was me I'd dump the old oil and filter, refill with new oil, fill the remote oil filter with oil as per Mr Quantrill's priming method, fit new filter, fresh fuel in the tank, disconnect the coil, crank it up to get the oil pressure warning light off and ensure all is turning freely then fire it up with a suitable fire extinguisher at the ready and also get ready to shut it off pronto in case of any nasty rattles. I'm sure others however may be more systematic and careful in their recommissioning approach?

[adam quantrill]

Refilling with new oil covers the camshaft lobes with new oil - do it with "gusto" so it goes end to end. Agree with the rest above...

Get some oil down the bores. One teaspoon down each and turn over with the plugs still out.

At the end of the day the best way to circulate oil is to run the engine - get it up to 2000 rpm and hold it for a couple of minutes, and watch the oil pressure gauge stays above 20 psi, ideally 25+.

[Alan461]

Thanks for that, nothing too scary then, I'll make sure the oil gets around before anything fires

[JumboBeef]

Any idea why it was laid up in the first place?

[Alan461]

Unfinished project of previous owner who was slowly restoring it and lost interest leaving a few puzzles to sort out.
Power steering pump fitted but without a rack to suit, partly fitted central locking etc etc.
My aim is to bring it back to original spec, some of it is tip top, paint and interior couldn't be better given it's age.

[jmorgan]

Change all fuel hoses as well.

[adam quantrill]

Spot on Jeff - those hoses will be ripe for leaks with high-pressure fuel.

Also install a 100 micron fuel pre-filter before the pump, as there is likely to be some rusty crud in the tanks, and it's much cheaper than wrecking the pump.

[jmorgan]

Not forgetting the ones from the rail to the injectors, had two go on my 350 many moons ago. bh to change individually. But as a load of them together?


I think anyway.


Edit. Methinks return need not be high pressure? The intertank hoses as well will need looking at.