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December 23, 2003
Paul,
Yes, there is a proper way to break in your engine. The first 20 min
will tell if your engine will live a long life or die at an early
age. Lots of people have differant ideas on how to run it in for the
first 1000 miles. I will tell you how I do it at work and what I
reccomend to my customers. When we go to start up a new one we always
go through the same check list. All fluids up to specs. Gravity fill
the oil cooler if installed. Make sure the fuel system is correct and
no leaks are present with key on. Check and double check ignition.
check for spark. check timing (static prior to start then with a
timing light after start up) turn engine over shortly without spark
plugs in and watch for oil leaks. note if oil pressure climbs. Dont
turn engine over for long periods of time at once. (be nice to your
starter and it will be nice to you) When everything checks out put
the plugs in and prepare to fire her up. We have three people during
start up. Everyone watching for problems. Have someone stationed by
the ignition switch for a quick disconnect and to watch the oil
pressure gauge, someone on the right front to watch the filter and
oil cooler area for oil leaks. Dont forget to watch the oil gauge
hose and cooler fittings. One person to run the throttle and choke
and oversee the engine once it starts up. You want it to start right
up. Not turn over and over and over, Right up.
Once fired up bring her up to 2500rpm to 3000rpm and keep it there.
watch for leaks. DO NOT LET IT IDLE FOR ANY REASON. keep the RPMs up
to break in the camshaft and lifters. The only way they get
lubricated is from oil splashing up on them and running down over it.
The first 20 min is for the cam shaft and lifter break in. It will be
the differance between life and early death. Of course, If the oil
pressure doesnt come right up kill the engine and investigate the
problem. Run the engine up to normal temp watching the gauges all the
way. When up to temp and you have peeled yourself from the ceiling
shut her down and have a cold one. Job well done!
lots of people have ideas of what to do from here on. I torque the
head the following day and adjust the valves again. We do this
several times before a customer ever gets it. After they take
delivery we reccomend changing the oil at 500 miles and retorque,
adjust valves and check all nuts and bolts in sight. Then again after
another 1000 miles. From there you are on your own. A race engine is
an entirly differant matter. The first 20 min is the same but from
then on its be careful..............use your head.
Happy Holidays to all on the list, God bless you and yours. Rex Urban
"Rex Urban" < minimotors@... > 27834
Posted on December 23, 2003 05:38 AM
Posted to category(s) Braking System | Carburetor | Cooling System | Cylinder Head | Drive Train | Engine (external) | Engine (internal) | Exterior | Fuel System | Gauges | Ignition System | Intake System | Interior | Lubrication System | Miscellaneous | Racing | Specifications | Tuning
