Engine break in

gub

gub

Forum Member
How do you guys like to break in your new engine builds? How long do you give it before giving it hell?
 
Warm it up.
Check for issues.
Drive it at varying RPM and load for about 30 minutes.
Check for issues.
Change oil and filter.
Hit that beeeahtch.

I am a lot more careful about breaking in clutches or brake pads than the engine.
 
gub said:
How do you guys like to break in your new engine builds? How long do you give it before giving it hell?
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What kind of build are we talking?

Used or new parts? Roller or flat tappet cam? If it's new flat tappet cam then your break in is a bit more involved
 
My explorer 302, with a roller cam, new main/rod bearings, I gave it 100miles before I hit the rev limiter through every gear. I also changed the oil @ 50miles.
It's been through 4k worth of miles, I beat on it all the time before I sold it.
 
If it's all roller then it's mainly waiting for the rings to seat and checking for rocker adjustment. The rollers don't require the same break in as flat tappet.

The past few times I've just monitored engine temp, noise, set timing, varied RPM, checked for leaks. I like to use a laser temp gun and check header tube temp at the head to make sure they are close to the same temp. I've read that flat tappet cam engines need the oil drained after 30(ish) minutes of break in run and again in another 30 min, where a roller doesn't need that process of run and dump.
 
mustangmike6996 said:
If it's all roller then it's mainly waiting for the rings to seat and checking for rocker adjustment. The rollers don't require the same break in as flat tappet.

The past few times I've just monitored engine temp, noise, set timing, varied RPM, checked for leaks. I like to use a laser temp gun and check header tube temp at the head to make sure they are close to the same temp. I've read that flat tappet cam engines need the oil drained after 30(ish) minutes of break in run and again in another 30 min, where a roller doesn't need that process of run and dump.
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Right. The flat tappet cams need special break in lube applied liberally to the cam/lifters. Then run at 2,000 to 2,500 rpm for about 30 minutes, then change oil. I built a couple of 340s for my old 'Cuda and remember doing this.
 
mustangmike6996 said:
If it's all roller then it's mainly waiting for the rings to seat and checking for rocker adjustment. The rollers don't require the same break in as flat tappet.

The past few times I've just monitored engine temp, noise, set timing, varied RPM, checked for leaks. I like to use a laser temp gun and check header tube temp at the head to make sure they are close to the same temp. I've read that flat tappet cam engines need the oil drained after 30(ish) minutes of break in run and again in another 30 min, where a roller doesn't need that process of run and dump.
Click to expand...

Start it up... Get to operating temp... Check Rockers... Give that bitch hell...


Rings seat while the motor is getting up to operating temp....
 
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