Rebuild done. Advice on break in.

Discussion in 'Technical' started by gdemopesq, May 2, 2008.

  1. gdemopesq

    gdemopesq MOTOR CITY MAV

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    I am done with my rebuild and will soon post pics. Tomorrow at 9am the HEI goes in and then adjust the timing. The I hope to take my first ride to the shop for an alignment since the entire suspension and steering system is new. Hopefully I have no problems. It is almost 6 months to the day since I started the rebuild. Every mechanical system in the car has been rebuilt or replaced. I am really excited.

    What do you recommend for break in? My neighbor tells me a straight 250 mile trip is what she needs. What do you folks say?
     
    gdemopesq, May 2, 2008
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  2. Mavman72

    Mavman72 Gone backwards but lookin' forward

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    I would take several 20 minute shake down trips to make sure everything works as advertised.Get it up to operating temp on each trip and keep it there for 10 to 15 minutes.Once you know it will operate without problems/glitches then road trip it.You dont want it to brake 190 mi from home.Remember"the devil is in the details" you will see the hornes.Good luck!!!
     
    Mavman72, May 2, 2008
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  3. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    did you drill a hole in your t-stat? if not, keep a close eye on the water level, could be air locked...:yup:
    drive and enjoy...:thumbs2:

    ...Frank...
     
    71gold, May 2, 2008
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  4. PaulS

    PaulS Member extrordiare

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    If you installed a new cam and lifters you will want the first twenty minutes or so above 2500 in neutral. After that it depends on the rings and the cylinder's bore finish. I usually break an engine in the way it will be used (or abused)
     
    PaulS, May 3, 2008
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  5. Blown74

    Blown74 Member

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    fresh start

    You didn't give many details about the rebuild, so I will assume you have checked all the electricals, brakes, steering etc. One "system" at a time. If you rebuilt the motor, carefully follow the cam manufacturers break in reccomendations TO THE LETTER ! Make sure the motor is ready to fire and run for 20 minutes or so...timning is where it needs to be or maybe even a bit high. Double check every fitting,hose clamp, bolt , Etc. Once it fires you don't want to have to shut it down and start over. Have the water bucket ready to top off the open cooling system as soon as the thermostat opens, etc. Have a friend with a flashlight nearby to look closley for leaks etc when she first fires off. If its a hydro cam, put a qrt of the break-in additive in with the first 2 oil changes .
    Good luck! Hope all goes well
     
    Blown74, May 3, 2008
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