Lincoln flathead V12 startup

55 dude

55 dude

Senior Member
guys need info on correct break in procedure of fresh lincoln flathead V12. i have zero experience with ford flatheads also. 1940 vintage and huge money pit! thanks
 
Bill Wzorek recently sent me an original FoMoCo Repair manual for Lincoln V-12 Engines, I thought the manual would have detailed instructions as to initial start up and run in of a rebuilt V-12 however, much to my chagrin, there is no information pertaining to the start up, etc. I'd make sure the engine has oil pressure prior to actually firing it up. There's a lot of info on Flathead V8 rebuild/start ups to be found here as well as other places on the internet (Google is a good place to look), and I'm sure others on the FordBarn will offer their advice.
 
With any engine you should never run them with out a load. As Vic says, make sure it has oil pressure, run for a few minutes at a fast idle to insure no BAD sounds. Put in gear and go for a ride placing as much of a load on the engine as you can. If engine is on stand, stop engine and place in car, see above.
 
Typical start up on new engines: Be sure you keep the RPMs up and don't let the engine idle. This is mainly to break in the cam / lifters properly. Also want to vary the RPMs. After the engine starts, I normally turn the idle screw up on the carburetor to maintain RPMs, might start somewhere around say 1,500 RPMs. Then adjust the idle screw back and forth to vary the RPMs from maybe 1000 to 2000 every minute or so. I would have something connected to monitor RPMs, Oil Pressure and Temp. Best bet is to check with a cam manufacture for their recommended break in procedure (I'm guessing this is a stock cam, but procedures are similar for all cams).
 
thanks guys! i'm still negotiating the purchase of car and engine is still at machine shop getting buttoned up. these engine are not cheap to rebuild. makes a ford flathead almost seem affordable!
 
55 dude said:
thanks guys! i'm still negotiating the purchase of car and engine is still at machine shop getting buttoned up. these engine are not cheap to rebuild. makes a ford flathead almost seem affordable!
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At least you'll be able to ride in style when you go to collect your food stamps.;)
 
id say spin it thru with plugs out to get oilpress up those have hyd lifters so they may need to "pump up" to get the lift right and not cause valve train noise when u start it
 
Should have a break in zinc additive in the motor for first run. Make sure you or the machine shop has done this so you don't wipe out a cam or lifters.....even if hydraulic lifters.
 
4dFord/SC said:
At least you'll be able to ride in style when you go to collect your food stamps.;)
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i'll pick you up on the way if your in for fuel! :D i do believe the engine is being fitted with solid lifters. sounds like these engines are just like any other but just making sure! thanks!:D
 
DO NOT run a V 12 with solid lifters unless it is a '36 or '37. In order to run solid lifters in the later V 12's the cam must be reground or you will wipe the lobes off the cam shaft. Rebuild the hydraulic lifters, they are quiet and trouble free if you use quality oil and change it at least every 1500 miles.
 
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