TR2/3/3A Engine starting

[john283]

I've got my engine mounted to the frame and turned it over to get the oil pressure going, but I'm not sure how to hook the electrical up to get it started. Any helpful hints?

 

[TR3driver]

You'll need the wire from the distributor to the coil, plus power to the coil, and to the starter. For an initial test, you can ignore the generator. The stock starter solenoid has a pushbutton on the back of it, so you can just hook up the big cables to it and not worry about the side wire (or the starter button on the dash).

 

[Lou Metelko]

When I first tried to start my TR2 back in 2002 the only functioning guage I had was the oil pressure guage. I was hugely disappointed that it refused to start until I learned that the ammeter guage needed to be hooked up (or the brown and brown / white wires tied together) to complete the electrical circuit. 35,000 miles later all is well!

Lou Metelko
Auburn, Indiana
54 TR2LD

 

[TR3driver]

I was hugely disappointed that it refused to start until I learned that the ammeter guage needed to be hooked up

That would come under the heading of "power to the coil". A hot wire from the coil to the battery will work just as well.

Been a few years ago, but I've even been known to start the engine with it just sitting on the floor. 3 battery cables, a hot wire, and away we went. Didn't run it for long, though, with no coolant and no exhaust. Danged loud anyway

 

[Geo Hahn]

When I took mine in for paint I drove there with just the one wire: battery to coil. Had to cross all of Tucson so I did it at 5 am with my wife following me (no brake lights etc).

Note: Do not attempt.

 

[PatGalvin]

I hooked up the battery to solenoid and ground, installed a cheap ignition switch and starter button, powered the coil and wired the alternator. She fired right up. Don't forget to plumb your oil pressure gauge. I just provided fuel from a Jerry can.

Probably ran her for 30 minutes, using a house fan to cool the radiator (no fan on my crankshaft). Was a good day.

Pat

https://youtu.be/gp4PZxAnn5o

 

[tinman58]

Sweet Sounding Pat!

 

[tdskip]

Note: Do not attempt.

And that, in short, is why we love you.

 

[doc50]

Tinman, I am finishing up TS34909 very soon. That's a close number to yours.
If you ever get down Wildomar (...Temecula) way, please stop in!
Thom
Grey Ghost
1959 TR3
TS34909L (now O)