What should you do before starting an overhauled engine for the first time?

Before starting an overhauled engine for the first time, it is essential to prime the engine lubrication system. This process ensures that oil is circulated throughout the engine components, reducing wear and preventing damage during initial startup. After an overhaul, any air trapped in the oil passages needs to be purged, and the oil pump must be filled with oil to ensure an adequate supply reaches critical areas immediately upon starting.

Proper lubrication is crucial because it minimizes friction and heat that can arise from moving parts operating without sufficient oil, which could lead to catastrophic engine failure. Priming helps create a safety level of preparedness for the engine’s performance by ensuring that all moving parts are adequately lubricated from the moment the engine is started.

While having a fully charged battery, filling the fuel tank, and performing a visual inspection of the bodywork are important steps in pre-start checks, they do not specifically address the unique needs of an overhauled engine in terms of lubrication and protection from wear during startup.