Filling a dry engine with coolant

[Sgt]

So I have put a used engine in my Z. I tore it down and replaced seals. The coolant was drained from the block. I have installed rebuilt turbos as well.

What is the proper procedure for filling and burping the coolant? I have concerns about the coolant not reaching the turbos and piston sleeves before nthe thermostat opens. On top of that I also have concerns about the potentially be little if no coolant behind the thermostat to assist with it properly heating to running temperature to open.

The solution I had in mind would be to use a funnel to pour coolant into the lines that feed the heater core on the back of the engine.

Thoughts and advice?

Thanks guys!

[itsa300zx]

I wouldn't be too concerned, just have the front up slightly and fill rad and start car. Leave rad cap off.

Even if the t stat is closed coolant will still circulate through the engine block, that is what the bypass hoses are for.

Once engine warms turn fan to hot to circulate hearter core and fill coolant as level drops.

[RubyRed300ZX]

And bleed the air off through the screw on the top left (passenger side) of the radiator.

[DCaff300ZX]

Agreed with itsa300zx and RubyRed300ZX, should be no concerns and realize that engine temps will not rise quickly enough to be a concern unless there is no flow, a leak, etc. and run for long period of time. I've seen guys who build engines run them for short periods with no coolant (oil obviously though) to test them initially for start, operation, etc.
Just be sure to do in order stated- fill rad with cap off then start engine, fill any more as it circulates, ensure no bubbles with cabin fan on high and heat set on max, cap rad and unscrew bleeder, pinch upper hose being aware of spinning fan until fluid JUST to top of bleeder hole, and recap bleeder- done.

[evildky]

[Sgt]

Thx for the tips guys. That funnel looks pretty pain free. I have an old rad cap I could drill out and make one of those even.

[evildky]

The spill proof funnels are cheap and the plug makes use clean and simple way to completely burp the system at operating temp without burning yourself or making a mess.