So I just completed my 107 build on my dyna. New jugs, pistons, heads, cam, etc. Since I recently moved ed and have no garage, I completed the build outside in super cold weather.

The new oil went in like pouring honey.

Question: I want to start the bike and do my heat cycle and ride to seat the rings and break-in.

Since the entire bike is sitting in 15-20 degree F temps, what can I do to make it a safer 1st startup?

Obviously, the oil hasn't circulated yet and is too thick to properly find its way through all the passages.

I can't bring it inside. Is a heating pad for the oil pan a good idea? One of those orange oil pan heaters?

Any suggestions to get the oil thinned out and warmer so I can do my 1st start up routine?

Thoughts?

 

I would take it to a warm garage or wait until warmer weather. You would need to warm the whole engine. Nothing good can come from such a cold startup.

 

Forget about those oil pan heaters, the entire engine must be warmed up.

Aircraft engines (the air cooled piston type) normally require pre heating before start up if the temp is below 20f, and these engines are pretty loose tolerance engines.

I wouldn`t think of starting a just built engine in the conditions we are experiencing right now on the north east coast.

 

Uggg! These are not the comments I was looking for but I know that you are right and guiding me in a safe way. It's killing me not to get this build started but I know you're right.

Maybe be she won't notice it in the living room if I wheel it in and cover it for 2 days?
That should warm it up enough so I can start it and ride.

 

Hide it behind the Christmas tree, the lights will help warm it up...

 

Dude,you’re not going to make that polar bear ride ok?! Lol

 

That's the only solution I can offer, if you can find a way to woo her over - perhaps a nice steak meal, or whatever her real favourite is?! Don't tell her I suggested that.....

 

Before that first start, pull the plugs and ground them to the engine...crank it a bit to pump oil into the filter, ect...put the plugs back in and start her up.

I'd wait for a 40 degree day...put the bike in the sun for a while, bundle up and ride it!

 

You need to be a little more patient unless that is you want to do it all over again..... spring is coming....

 

Got hit with over 12" of snow with 5 foot drifts.
Spring can't come soon enough.

So, with the new build outside, freezing with fresh 20-50 goo sitting in the oil pan (remember, never circulated in this new build), I guess I'm forced to wait it out till weather is consistently in the 40s.

New question is: When it is finally warm enough, should I drain the new goo sitting in the pan and refresh it, or should I just use it cause it'll be thinner then and it's still virgin? Use it or replace this new oil?

Thanks!