Bench testing an engine for an Autostick

[jayson.devries]

I'm building an engine for an Autostick and would like to bench test it before installing it in the car.

I'll install a manual 12V flywheel and bell housing to hold the starter - and block off the vacuum hoses that go to the control valve  ...but this question is with respect to the dual pump.

For the bench test, I plan to install and assemble the dual pump but leave out the ATF gears (#9 & #10), the woodruff key (#6), and possibly the outer gasket (#3). As well, I'll add some grease inside the AFT cover (#11) where the shaft (#5) inserts. I may also use regular nuts (#12) and save those fancy red face seal nuts for the final assembly.

Has anyone done this before? Any thoughts as to if this might be a bad idea?

Thanks!

[Tom K.]

Without the ATF fluid to put pressure against the divider plate, at worst you might leak some oil through the seals.  I can't see any damage occuring.

By the way, I have my engine almost assembled on the bench too. How did you measure crank shaft end play?  The flex plate seems to wobbly to be a good base for the magnetic dial indicator.