Running In Advice

Karl

Karl

Well-known member
I'm just in the process of installing my rebuilt essentially standard A engine (while I figure out what to do with the cracked block on the original engine) .

The new engine was rebuilt 3 years ago by a trusted rebuilder and has been kept well oiled and has been turned over on the crank every so often. I would like some advice regards running it in -Rebuilds are far to expensive to mess this up !!! -Karl
 
Karl,

I recently broke in my engine after a complete rebuild to stock conditions. I had the cylinders re-bored and then honed to fit new pistons. I also had new babbit mains re-poured and set to .0015 and a lot of other rework that I don't need to go into right now.
So, I had the same question you do and here is what I did;
First of all I made sure that the engine was thoroughly lubed using engine pre-lube internally on all of the bearings and filled up the oil supply passages before I installed the valve cover. I also made sure that the cylinders were oiled. Next after the engine was installed, I poured 1 quart of oil into the distributor hole. Then I squirted a bit more oil into each cylinder through the plug openings. Next, after installing the distributor and setting the timing, I hand cranked (with great effort )the engine several revolutions. I did this to ensure good coating on the cylinder walls. You can probably get by without doing this as the first few revs of cranking (to start) will do the same thing.
I poured three more quarts into the engine for a total of 4 quarts. I checked the dip stick and found the oil level a little less than halfway between L and H.
I then cranked the engine. It coughed once. I hit the starter the second time and it fired up. I let it run for about 3 to 4 seconds and killed it. Went outside and re-checked everything and check the oil level again. Still about the same reading.
I cranked it a second time and let it run for about 10 seconds listening for any squeals or knocks. Afterwards repeated my engine checks. Everything still ok.
I cranked it a third time and let it run for about 30 seconds and repeated my checks.
I cranked it a fourth time and let it run for about 3 to 4 minutes. Shut it down and let everything cool down and then went back over and re-checked the head nuts and re-torqued. I let it set overnight and then the next day I cranked it up and drove it about ¼ mile round trip to the end of the street and back.
After this, I again rechecked everything. Then I drove it around the block never getting over about 20 MPH.
Over a period of about a week I worked my way up to about 45 MPH.
This was about 6 weeks ago and it is running great now.
 
To begin with, the oil supply is 5 qts initially. There is always one qt in the dipper tray, hence the 4qts at oil change. Pouring a qt down the dist hole initially is good practice. I also squirt oil in the cylinders. I start the engine, set the spark at roughly half mast, depending on the engines response. A high comp head will take less advance. Continuing to adj the GAV as it warms, let it run at fast idle until its thoroughly warm, checking for oil and water leaks, then shut it off. The next day, I retorque the head nuts and check all the other nuts, especially manifold and exhaust clamp and fan belt. Then I take it for an easy drive, going no faster than 35 in high gear. Do not over advance the spark. Fords operators manual says to drive it at moderate speeds with the advance about half mast and only full advance at high speed. With a high comp head, you should not advance even at high speed over 28 degrees, or 3-4 clicks from the bottom.. Ford recommended not driving over 35 mph for the first 500 miles. One reputable engine builder I know says this is still good advice. In my experience, I agree.
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
Karl, can this "trusted rebuilder" be contacted for his advice? It might be smart to seek their recommendations.
Click to expand...

Yes I have contacted him and his advice was pretty much what I have obtained from the replies to date . Much as I trust him it does no harm to get a second opinion and the collective wisdom on this list is pretty impressive -Karl
 
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