rfw2003 wrote on 06/11/12 at 21:46:40:justin_o_guy2 wrote on 06/11/12 at 21:02:09:I just cant make myself start an engine w/o oil in it, even tho we recently saw one go about 12 miles, empty.
I'm with JOG on this. I couldn't make myself start any engine without oil in it. It goes against my nature.
The ONE time I tried a certain trick, it was on my old trusty Moto Guzzi.
She had been sitting for a full three years, no battery, full tank of gas and with a spoonful++ of motor oil in the chambers through the plug holes.
I drained the old fuel and gave the 15-16 liters to my brother
I drained the old oil on a cold engine (wouldn't start her with 3 year old oil) and, with both spark plugs removed, gradually engaged 5th gear and
pushed and shoved the bike up and down the alleyway until I had clocked a few hundred meters (say, 1/4 mile)
The bike sounded like a steam train, chugging air in and out of the plug holes !
I then drained her some more, put new oil and filter,and resumed the "chugga-chug" drill for another 1/4 mile.
New plugs, new fuel, new battery and she started... 3rd time !
Why am I saying this ? Because I do NOT advocate
running a bike (or any engine) with no oil,
but turing the engine by hand (as done by vintage mechanics) or
pushing the vehicle back and forth at a few dozen rpm cannot hort the engine at all...