Starting an unknown engine for the first time?
 

As a few of you know, I purchased a $400 Miata. The engine hasn't been turned over in a year or so but is supposed to be good. Any tips on how to turn it over for the first time (teaspoon of oil in each cylinder, etc). I think I want to camcorder the engine running for an easier future sell before I rip it out of the car (see my Miata trailer thread).

Turning it over without it starting to prime the oil system should really be good enough. Turning the car over without starting it, by pulling the fuel inj relay and unplugging the coils just because you can might be a good idea though I don't think it will matter with the spark plugs still installed. I suppose the teaspoon of oil in each cylinder wouldn't hurt anything.

I'd chane the oil, pull the plugs, and unplug the injectors and coil pack. Taking out the plugs will remove all the compressive load. Then just turn it over until you get oil pressure. It might take a good 6-10sec to get pressure since it been sitting forever. Plug all the shite back in and turb the biotch on.

In the past, I have pulled my igniter to keep the car from starting. Never thought to pull the plugs for the compression.

I only say it because most of the oil will have drained out other than a very slight coating. Its just a safe preventative measure. What you'll be doing is on par with starting a new motor for the first time since the oil has drained off. Removing compressive load from the cylinders will allow the crank to spin freely. It only takes like 7lbft of tq to turn the crank once you've broken the static friction.

I took a power drill and a 21 mm socket to turn mine over and prime it for oil etc. worked great.