Start engine without transmission?

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  • Panici
    Moderator
    • Dec 2009
    • 2311

    #1

    Start engine without transmission?

    I'm in the middle of an Auto -> 5-speed swap.

    I've just replaced my Rear Main Seal, and used "Permatex MotoSeal 1" with a new "Springless" style RMS.

    I'll be damned if I'm going to put the car back together just to have a leaky RMS because of the seal type, or the gasket material I used, or my improper assembly.


    So my question is this:
    Can I just bolt up the Auto flywheel, bolt up the starter (with a bracket/washers and shorter bolts) and start/run the engine with no transmission attached?

    (Assuming I'll need to do the wiring changes needed for the 5-speed swap in order to get the car to run without the Auto trans attached/plugged in)
    Last edited by Panici; 06-05-2015, 07:54 PM.

    '87 BMW E30 325is Turbo

    '99 BMW E36 M3 - - - '98 BMW E36 328i
  • whodwho
    E30 Mastermind
    • Jun 2008
    • 1547

    #2
    Pull the bellhousing off the auto trans
    My M20 Frankenbuild(s)
    4 Sale - Fully Built TurnKey Megasquirt Plug and Play EMS

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    • Panici
      Moderator
      • Dec 2009
      • 2311

      #3
      Originally posted by whodwho
      Pull the bellhousing off the auto trans
      Good idea! Starter should bolt right up to the bellhousing.


      Any foreseen issues just running the Auto flywheel?

      '87 BMW E30 325is Turbo

      '99 BMW E36 M3 - - - '98 BMW E36 328i

      Comment

      • whodwho
        E30 Mastermind
        • Jun 2008
        • 1547

        #4
        Shouldn't be an issue other than the engine will not be supported well. You will have to rewire for the starter at the shifter
        My M20 Frankenbuild(s)
        4 Sale - Fully Built TurnKey Megasquirt Plug and Play EMS

        Comment

        • bmwstudent
          E30 Fanatic
          • Sep 2011
          • 1364

          #5
          We do this all the time when we change rear main seals in tractor trailer engines, there shouldn't be any issue once you get the starter mounted.
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