Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Ever since I purchased my junkyard flathead back in 2018, I have watched dozens and dozens of vids of folks who have tested their flatheads on home built engine test stands. I really never gave it much thought, but do most actually do this this? I plan on making one and was just curious as I get closer to completing mine.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

A test stand would be great, if you have the space for it. I don't, so I test my engine in the car . Personally, I only know one Early V8er who has a test stand . - F F

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Many of us do. If you have basic welding and fabrication skills it is fairly easy to do. And you probably save some $$$$

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

I use the test stand for customers mainly... They want running used engines. Newc

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

No test stand here. Everything done on the car.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

I made one years ago. I sell a few used engines, but I made it for my own use. I overhaul engines for my own trucks. Machine shops are two trips to the mainland and a bunch of money. I have the orange Henry Ford authorized 1947 engine service manual. It is meant for ford service depts. It clearly states the wear limits which are acceptable for getting a ford back on the road in reliable condition, while not in NEW condition. That's good enough for me. Bust out the ridge reamer, cylinder hone, rings, valve job, new bearings if needed (plastigage is your modern friend) and put it on the stand. If there is a leaking head gasket, oil pan, bad cylinder (rare), low oil pressure (also rare), timing, carb problem......then it is SO easily repaired out of the truck. I took my last block to a machine shop 21 years ago. For me it's just a hobby and I have a great time driving around in my overhauled fords.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

An old truck tire works well also

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

A test stand can deatroy the rings faster than 100k miles. Why?? well if you have a run stand you\ll run the new engine without a load. Doesn't hurt for a short time just to make sure everything is working right. But then you have to run it for your buddies while you get the car ready. A year later you put it in the car and wonder why it burns oil. now you know. Truck tire works just fine.
Gramps

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

You don't want to break the engine in on the stand as Ol' Ron said. But to my thinking working out a few bugs on the stand with short runs a few times won't do to much.

Is it necessary. nope. But as mentioned test stands or easy to make. But not easier then pulling the motor again. maybe.

Yblock I was messing with on stand to see if it would run. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbMD...ature=youtu.be

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

i have one too. any time i buy a motor that turns, its fun to run it and see what you bought. see if they leak, see if they smoke, and some times run it long enough to loosen up a sticky valve or dead cylinder brought back to life. i do respect the opinion of others like Ol ron that you can kill a new motor with too much fun, but i still enjoy seeing some life in it before its installed

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

I made one, primarily to test run a used '56 hemi I had purchased that was supposed to be a "good runner". It turned out to be in excellent shape. I had a couple of other engines I wanted to test, including a used '51 Mercury and a '51 Olds Rocket, so I made it "universal" with a rear mount from a Harbor Freight engine stand that slides back and for to accommodate different length engines and front mounts to pick up "Hurst-Style" saddle mounts. It has served me very well up to now, having test run 4 engines so far.

I will disagree a bit about the value of these stands. All piston rings available for most engines (including flatheads) these days are of the "Moly" type that break in almost immediately. I see no problem with starting a new engine with this type of rings and breaking it in on a stand. I also have no problem running a used engine that already has it's rings seated for enough time to get the bugs out and to see what kind of shape it's in (and even show a friend or two). I would much rather do the initial testing and running of a new engine on my stand, which has a full compliment of gauges, a good radiator with external fan, than laying on a truck tire on the garage floor. Should I build and engine with 50 year old chrome (or even cast iron) rings, I certainly would be careful to avoid glazing the cylinders. I really don't see this happening.

In my opinion, an engine test stand is real handy to have, especially if you are dealing with multiple engines or used engines. In addition, I really enjoyed building it. I do have one hint. Put substantially larger casters on your engine stand than on your cherry picker so it will roll under the stand. I used the same size on everything, and guess what happened.:(

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Well you would not be tubman without a little bit of disagreement. But you might agree breaking in an engine with load might be beneficial. NHRA run snap the motor once after a rebuild. But the real rundown in on the track. Under load.


Nothing wrong with a run stand.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Now that some others have mentioned it, I do recall reading that an engine should be broken in under a load, and also it needs an exhaust of some type to have a bit of back pressure. I don't want folks to start a big fight, but there is no way I can put the engine under load as the car chassis won't be ready for who knows how long.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

I agree with Ziggster. Those who do engine builds really have no clue as to
what happens when the engine goes out the door. Typical example, with a
A class wooden boat a Criss Craft. Customer figures to to build the engine
a massive 175hp Hercules flathead. So we did '4yrs' ago and the boat ain't
done yet you know the deeper you dig on wood the deeper you get. Thats
why I strive to do the test, so I know its turn key out the door. Radiator exhaust with muffler and tail pipe I strive for whisper quietness what the
Flathead is noted for. Looking for no valve noise or any noise perfect oil
pressure no overheating.. past the test I sleep at night. And then there are
new or rebuilts that are dedicated to run something say 700 800 rpms all day
like a circulator pump that I got involved in at water dept. with really no load
its just moving water with no real pressure. There ya go...

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Doing some more research, and there is local dyno shop that says they can break-in your engine for you. I guess a cam needs 20-30 mins at 2,000 - 2,500 rpm's at no load, whereas the rings require alternating high load to seat them properly which only comes from either driving the vehicle or using an engine dyno, Will call them this week to get more info. Did learn that you should NOT use syn oil for at least the first 4,000 miles! Half day is CAN$750.00, but at least engine will be broken-in properly, and I'll know how much torque/Hp the little mill makes which alone almost seems worth it. Seems like a win-win to me. Lol!

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

I like to run the engines prior to installation. Checking for all vitals. No need to over do it but I go through two heat cycles in order to re-torque the heads. much easier on my test stand.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

X2 FRANK. Setting the timing and idle.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

I have 3 test stands. Keep one used engine up and running to test rebuilt carbs and distributors. Always nice to know you have good units when starting a new engine.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

I have a place on my stand where an oak 2x4 about 5 feet long with a notch in it will lever against the edge of the flywheel next to the ring gear. It is amazing how much you can slow a stock flathead down with this. Many times I have 'climbed hills', and 'crested them' during my break in period. A pail of water to dip the 2x4 into keeps the flames at bay. Added benefit... When showing off your engine you can lean on it and get that sound. I don't think the engine knows it is really climbing a hill or not. And keep an eye on the temperature!

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

That is brilliant! With my luck I’ll likely end breaking some bones while the works goes up in flames. Lol!

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

never a dull moment at GB's house, wish i was a neighbor!

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

I will try the 2by4 on my next build. Engines I have run on my stand have all been good runners.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

It is not normal to build an engine test stand if you do not need one. It would be a waste of time, material and space to store. Also, you could be called weird by your wife for doing so.

However, it WOULD be good practice in fabrication skills.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Heck, I don't think there's a normal one of us in the bunch. That's what keeps me coming back day after day. When all of you start being normal, I'll have to find some kinda new forum. Like buying a nissan leaf and going onto their forum every night. Now there's some entertainment! Oh, and on the test stand it helps if the flywheel is a bit rusty on the perimeter. It's like a steeper hill.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

i was normal once...well, i think anyway, but that was a long time ago so i don't remember much of it

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

My test stand built from scrap, and a Flea market fuel tank. purchased new gauges only.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Frank, that's a beautiful piece of work.... The engine on it is not so bad either! I don't see much back pressure in that exhaust but really we don't put more than a few miles on the stand. I have a couple of sawed off exhaust pipes painted red I use on mine.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Posts 8 & 9... Old tire works great. Back when I worked at a dealership (60 yrs ago), we had a couple mechanics that just ran them on the floor, no tire, no nothing. Never for anything serious... Just checking for leaks and noises.
My current 'stand' is a roll-around Chinese cart, sold by some vendor in HMN, intended for a sbc. I think at the time, they were on sale for something under 50 bucks (maybe 39.95). I modified the thing, both to have a sbc starter, and also, to fit a flathead ford. Turns out, to fit the flathead, I just turned the engine around 180 deg, and the mod to the stand was minimal to make the flathead fit. I've only used it a couple times, and although 'flimsy', it works. I'm not really recommending this, but for 'cheap', and for a guy that only might use it once or twice, it's ok. As noted above, bigger casters would be a plus. Heck, even if you don't use it as a run-stand, it's a cheap way to make a 'roller' for a flathead.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Funny, I just got done slapping one together for my first flattie. I’m terrible at welding, but it works!

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Thanks GB I run it in my shop, using two ten foot exhaust hose under the garage door, I think that should give me enough back pressure. I'm a firm believer to run on a test stand, not to break in, but to test all functions and proof the engine prior to installation.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

yup! put the motor in the car and drive it like you sold it

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

For a valued opinion on test stands, you all may want to refer to Verb Tardels's book, How to Build and Modify Ford flathead V-8 Engines", page 200. Quote; "Hundreds of freshly built flatheads have begun life on Vern's test stand" The motor in the stand spent 10 plus hours on the stand, prior to hitting the road in the roadster for an additional 30K plus trouble free miles". I built my own stand, and use it to run used motors to sort them out, and I started the new 59L on it to ensure oil pressure was and water temp were ok, and there were no leaks. Then it goes in the '40. There's fair amount of work putting and engine, radiator & fan in a '40. There no way I want to do it twice.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

I was quite young back then and still learning. However, Yes I had a run stand and I ran all my engines in it, untill I got a dyno to add a load. The amount o time the engine spent on the stand was to test for leaks ans noises that shouldn't be there oil pressure aswell. Found several Mellings pumps that were crap and went back to the stock ones.. I didn't want my customers finding these problems. Now as for the Dyno, thats another story.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

I have a T9 with a band brake on it. I wonder if you ran it in fourth and trained a garden hose over the band if you could go 'up and down hills' with that. It also gives a rear mount for the engine. Extra work for sure.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

I've thought about something like that myself. Like a big truck brake assembly. to allow some load to be added. You have to be careful about this kind of thinking. I leads to thinking about adding a lever and load cell to the brake and coming up with a crude dyno!

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Look up a Prony Brake Dynamometer, it is along the lines of what you are proposing.

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Please! I DO NOT need any encouragement with stuff like this!:D

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

garbage trucks that do frequent stops use an electromagnet flywheel of some sort in the drive shaft for brakes

Re: Is it normal to build an engine test stand?
 

Another trouble-maker!