When starting the engine for the first time after the completion of its refurbishment, it is imperative to have a class B fire extinguisher at hand!
After installing the power unit on the vehicle, check the engine oil and coolant levels. Check again that all communication lines are (cables, hoses and wiring) connected and properly secured. Remove all tools, rags and other foreign objects from the engine compartment.
Petrol models
1. De-energize the ignition system by disconnecting the electrical wiring from the ignition module (see chapter Engine electrical equipment). Remove spark plugs.
2. Remove from the fuel pump relay mounting block located in the engine compartment (see chapter Power and exhaust systems).
3. With the spark plugs removed and the ignition and power systems temporarily turned off, crank the engine by raising the oil pressure in it so that the corresponding control lamp on the vehicle's instrument panel comes on.
4. Screw in the spark plugs, connect the BB wiring and restore the functioning of the ignition and power systems.
Diesel models
1. Turn on the ignition and immediately, without waiting for the glow plugs to warm up, start cranking the engine with the starter until the emergency oil pressure indicator lamp turns off.
All models
1. Start the engine in the usual way. There may be a slight delay in starting to allow the fuel pressure to build up, but this shouldn't be too much of a problem.
If flashes occur in the throttle body, check for correct valve clearance adjustments (where required) and ignition timing (see chapter Engine electrical equipment).
2. After starting, warm up the engine at idle to normal operating temperature, checking for signs of oil, coolant, and transmission oil/ATF leaks as it warms up. Let the engine idle for 15 minutes, which is especially important after replacing the connecting rod bearings.
You should not worry about the appearance of a burning smell or the appearance of a slight smoke, the cause of which inevitably becomes the process of burning out assembly lubricants.
The first few minutes the engine does not idle very stably, which is explained by the choice of an electronic unit (ECM) optimal algorithm for the functioning of control systems (see chapter Power and exhaust systems).
3. After waiting for the upper radiator hose to warm up, turn off the engine and let it cool.
4. Check the oil and coolant levels again. On diesel models equipped with a 1.7L SOHC engine, tighten the cylinder head bolts to the required angles (see Specifications).
5. Now you can start sea trials and engine running-in. Take the car to an area where the traffic intensity is minimal and quickly accelerate it to a speed of 50-80 km/h (30-50 mph). Then slow down to 30 km/h by fully closing the throttle. Repeat the procedure 10-12 times - the resulting cyclic loads will help shrink the piston rings in relation to the cylinder walls. Recheck the engine for leaks.
6. First 800 km (500 miles) mileage, try to operate the engine in a gentle mode, regularly and often checking the engine oil level. Increased oil consumption during engine break-in is normal.
7. Approximately after 800-1000 km (500-600 miles) mileage, change the engine oil and oil filter.
8. The car can be operated normally for the next few hundred kilometers.
9. After 3200 km (2000 miles) change the engine oil and oil filter again. Now the engine can be considered run-in completely.
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