1st try (engines first crank)

[o1gnah]

I started this thread as a fellowship for engine builders past and present. I’m a rookie here and have my fingers crossed I’ll get my 318 build to fire up with no issues soon. So I probably wont get a lot of responses due to my experience level but for b bodies has yet to not provide me with VERY quick responses to any of the questions I’ve posted during the cars reassembly. This post is those last few touches before first crank and the break in or attempts. So lets here your newly build engine story! I’ll listen to nightmares, hole in one’s, 2nd 3rd and still trying story’s. The more knowledge as to procedures and what to expect will go along way. Do and donts… pretty open thread

 

[451Mopar]

Usually use a priming shaft to pre-lube the engine. Find TDC Compression for #1 Cylinder. Install oil pump drive with slot pointing to #1 cylinder. Install distributor with rotor pointing towards #1 cylinder. Check cap and mark terminal that rotor is pointing at as #1. Rotate engine back 10-15 degrees to rough set the ignition timing. Rotate points dist to just when the points open, or if Electronic, align the reluctor tooth with pickup and the timing should be good for start up.
Put all the plug wires on in correct firing order. Pre-fill carb bowls through bowl vents or use electric fuel pump. Give the carb a few pumps of gas and fire it up.

 

[Don Frelier]

A couple more tips:
1. Run just water no coolant at first, leave the cap off until the thermostat opens and check the level.
2. Do it outside, leave the hood off and set a box fan in front of the radiator. (much easier to check for leaks and adjust stuff)
3. Have a hose and extinguisher nearby just in case.
4. After you prime it you can use the above tips and check the timing using the starter with no spark plugs installed.
I would set it closer to 20 degrees advanced for break in.
5. Assuming a hydraulic flat tappet cam, set a timer on your phone and run for 15 minutes or more. Vary the rpm between 1,500 - 2,500 rpm occassionally.

Watch the gauges carefully.

Take a video.

 

[Jeff K]

Once you get it started, it's always a good idea to duck down and eyeball the underside of the engine for any major fluid leaks.

 

[R413]

Not sure where the 1500 RPM came from 2000-2500 is what I've used for cam break in.

Make darn sure the timing is correct and not 180 out.

Have a helper there. One to run the key and one to look for leaks.

Have a box fan on the radiator for help in cooling. Don't do it on a hot day, wait for fair temps.

 

[khryslerkid]

If you're doing it in the car and have an automatic that needs fluid added, have someone there to top it off the minute you fire it up. You don't want it to be low on fluid running the engine at 2,000 rpm.

My last cam break in one of the plug wires came off halfway through the break in. Had to shut it down and fix it then start it up again to continue. All went well.

I like to change the break in oil and filter the next day. Cut the filter open to look for any debris. Then fill it backup with new break in oil and a new filter. (Just my OCD)

Use just break in oil and no additives.

Good luck!

 

[Don Frelier]

Not sure where the 1500 RPM came from 2000-2500 is what I've used for cam break in.

Make darn sure the timing is correct and not 180 out.

Have a helper there. One to run the key and one to look for leaks.

Have a box fan on the radiator for help in cooling. Don't do it on a hot day, wait for fair temps.

Lunati, but I try and keep it centered around 2,000 rpm for the most part:
To properly break in a Lunati flat tappet camshaft, start the engine and immediately raise the RPM to 2,500-3,000. Maintain this speed, varying it slightly (1,500-3,000 RPM) for 20-30 minutes, ensuring consistent oiling and lifter rotation. Shut down the engine, let it cool

 

[o1gnah]

Preciate

A couple more tips:
1. Run just water no coolant at first, leave the cap off until the thermostat opens and check the level.
2. Do it outside, leave the hood off and set a box fan in front of the radiator. (much easier to check for leaks and adjust stuff)
3. Have a hose and extinguisher nearby just in case.
4. After you prime it you can use the above tips and check the timing using the starter with no spark plugs installed.
I would set it closer to 20 degrees advanced for break in.
5. Assuming a hydraulic flat tappet cam, set a timer on your phone and run for 15 minutes or more. Vary the rpm between 1,500 - 2,500 rpm occassionally.

Watch the gauges carefully.

Take a video.

fill my radiator with water? What’s an indicator that the thermostat is open?

 

[khryslerkid]

Preciate

fill my radiator with water? What’s an indicator that the thermostat is open?

When you can feel the thermostat housing getting hot and you can see coolant moving across the cores. Leave the cap off during break in.