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How to break in a engine in ( NEW RINGS NOT NEW CAM )

dave5237

dave5237

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Hi guys. Here's the question. Now that I have started my engine up a couple times and let it run ( timed in ). When or is it safe to run at idle speed burn the new paint off ? ( I am told run rpm's up and down so rings would not glaze ( IS THIS TRUE ? ).AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEAT NEW RINGS ? I installed new rings and lifters but not a new a new cam or crank. When I bought the car I ripped the engine down and found out someone had done a somewhat fresh rebuilt on it. I did have to replace 1 piston due to scoring of the cylinder wall ( honed # 8 cylinder ). I micrometered all the journals. All were sat. I did not replace any bearings because the were new like. Checked ALL my bearing clearances ( all good ). This engine smokes like crazy from new painted engine,exhaust pipes and manifold. Everything has been painted so the fumes are horrendous and I cant run for too long. YOUR HELP ON THIS ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO FIRE IT UP AGAIN TODAY. THANKS.
 
I learned that seating rings are best done by placing a load on the engine at lower to moderate RPM ranges. In other words, from a stop or rolling at low speed, smoothly press down the throttle to place a decent load on the engine and let it wind up a little in RPM. Stop or slow back down to rolling speed and do it again only allow it to go up a little more in RPM this time. As you continue to do this, let thr RPM go up a little more each time. I'm sure others have different ways, but this is similar to how an engine tuner will seat rings on a Dyno after a fresh build.
 
Hop in it and drive it! :headbang: Don't maintain a steady speed but don't run the crap out of it either. Don't....over heat it. Do monitor pressures, etc. It'll burn off after a couple of miles if there aren't any leaks. ENJOY! But be careful and listen to what the engine is telling you.
 
What do you recommend if I cant drive it yet. Its not ready to drive just yet ( need front and back glass. Thanks
 
What kind of rings are they? Moly? Probably already broke in if so....or close to it. Moly rings break in very quickly but regular cast rings don't take long either but I've never had a problem with my rings sealing up when not driving it. If your cylinders were honed for the type of ring you are using, they there shouldn't be a problem. Overheating is the biggest problem that you might have with them....
 
There moly rings. I was in a rush to get this engine started after sitting 9 years. I wanted to keep starting it up so the paint would burn off. Hated to get that smell embedded in my rug when I put it in. Can I start this thing up on a daily basis for now and run it for about 10 minutes or dont let it get warm maybe 5 minutes. I think thats all I can stand with that paint from the exhaust billowing off.Thanks
 
Personally, I wouldn't keep starting it like that. Wait til you can drive it.
 
With a good working thermostat, 5 minutes is enough to put enough heat into the system to make things work fine imo but I'm with zrx....drive it! If you are worried about smoke, going 55 should blow it off the car.
 
I know one old timer and he told me after a rebuild he just drives it like normal no special pre-cautions other than the afformentioned check on your gauges. And I have done the same on every rebuild I have done and all were flawless!
 
i am one that does the just drive it routine. i have never had any issue

steve
 
Drive it without the glass !! Just wear motorcycle goggles.
And as they said, drive it moderately and vary the speed and throttle openings.
 
We dont do any break-in at the factory since the roller cams. And alot of cars also come with synthetic as their first fill too.
 
Thanks. I put a little youtube video ( DAVE5237 GTX STARTUP )of my second start up for my friends to see.I will get the glass and drive it or get goggles like yellowdartdave said. I would say I am out of the woods as far as getting it to start ( sounds awesome )
 
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