[jonnyspatter]

I know this sounds like it should be in the Mech/Tech section, but I'm just curious really. What are people's opinions on running engines in?

I always thought that you do 50 miles, then change the oil, 100 miles, then repeat, 500 miles. All at less than 3000 rpm.

Other people I spoke to give the engine a blast at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes, then repeat 4 times, and the job's done!

What do you all think?

[kev]

not sure about oil change intervals but keep the revs down and don't strain the engine i.e don't drive up hills in top gear at 20 mph etc.
build engine revs up over the running in period

[Sunroof_64]

this is how i broke my engine in.

take plus out / disconnect coil
crank engine until oil light goes out ... repeat twice
(this ensure oil is in all the pathways - taking plus out just means the engine will turn over faster)
i actually did this before fitting push rod tubes because of the breakin paste on Cam
... put engine back together .. :)
check static timing.
if this is a brand new engine ... you must break the cam in
plugs in , coil connected ... nows the scary part.
start engine if it will ... twin carbs you'll need to prim / pump them
the yes take engine to 2000 - > 3000 RPM for 15 minutes ... yes 15 minutes ... its fooking loud (ear plugs)
always handy to have someone checking for leakes just incase.
once done let it idle - maybe set idle if to high.
shut off
drain engine oil
Let engine cool over night .. you need it stone cold
replace filter / strainer
refill oil
reset ya tappets
fire it up drive it gently for 100 miles
do oil change
tappets again
do 500 miles find some hills get engine nice and warm
oil / tappets
another 500
tappets
then 1000miles ect...

any good ?

i found the tappets had settled after the first 1000 miles

John

[camperdave]

ask coxy




john you watch to much star treck

[Sunroof_64]

not any more too busy unde the car !!

consult aircooled.net i've just repeated most of it

John

[Samage]

My preferred method is to use secondhand parts. Then you don't have to bother :D :D :D

[Luke]

on this subject..ive just fitted new 1641 barrels and pistons, how should i run um in? im trying to keep it under 3000 rpm for 300 mile? is it worth it?

[rapidresto]

drive gently to south wales and back from london, change oil and reset tappets, check timing etc. then forget all about stressing over your new engineand rag it forever more :D

worked for me!

[jonnyspatter]

this is how i broke my engine in.

take plus out / disconnect coil
crank engine until oil light goes out ... repeat twice
(this ensure oil is in all the pathways - taking plus out just means the engine will turn over faster)
i actually did this before fitting push rod tubes because of the breakin paste on Cam

Why? Is it bad to get break-in paste in the heads?

[Sunroof_64]

all the cranking will just wipe the paste off the cam if you leave the push-rods in.
All what i was trying to do is get oil pressure before firing the engine up.
paste wont go in the head .... its just me playing safe

John

[jonnyspatter]

AHH! I'm with you now! :D

[Rich Oakley]

Don't worry about high revs when running-in (high revs are needed to bed in the new Bs&Ps). Just make sure that the engine doesn't labour under any circumstances. Run for 500 miles or so, change the oil, check valve clearances.