Engine — first start after major overhaul (Opel Ascona C)

1. Check that the battery is well charged, the fuel tank is full, and the engine is filled with oil and coolant.

2. If you have disassembled the fuel system, you will need to turn the engine over with the starter several times to ensure that the fuel reaches the carburetor.

3. After the engine starts, bring it to normal operating temperature at fast idle speed. At first, until the oil pressure in the hydraulic tappets reaches the required value, they may make a little noise.

4. As the engine warms up, strange odors and smoke may be produced due to the burning of lubricants used during installation. Inspect the engine for water or oil leaks. Also inspect the place where the exhaust pipe connects to the manifold, since here you will most likely need to tighten the bolts (is produced after the engine has been turned off).

5. Once normal operating temperature is reached, adjust the idle speed (see chapter 3) and check the ignition timing (see chapter 4). After turning off the engine, perform the final tightening of the cylinder head bolts (see Specifications and section 8).

6. Stop the engine and wait a few minutes to check if oil or coolant starts to leak from the stationary engine.

7. Take a test drive to check that the ignition timing and engine operation are correct. Do not overload the engine - when installing new bearings and/or pistons, you should drive at reduced speed for the first 800 km. The valves may knock a little at first until the hydraulic lifters fill with oil.

8. On models with automatic transmission, special attention should be paid to checking the fluid level in the transmission (see chapter 6).