Break it in.

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Apr 2, 2012 | 11:09 PM

Austy

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Junior User

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 68

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From: South Dakota

Break it in.

Hey yall,
What is a good way to break in my rebuilt 72 360? And how long is a good break in period? Thanks - Jon

Apr 3, 2012 | 07:58 AM

68Ford4Life

Senior User

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 214

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From: North Carolina

i broke my rebuilt 390 in by driving easy for 500 miles, changed the oil and checked for metal shavings. I drove another 500 before my cam was really broke in well. As long as you don't tack it way up or stress it too much you can just drive it to break in. I'd say a safe distance would be 500 miles. after that you can start to see what the motors got, haha

Apr 3, 2012 | 11:27 AM

mitchell390

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 105

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From: Panhandle

dont quote me on this but ive always been told to run it at around 1800rpm for 15-20 mins then drive it at high way speeds fluctuating from 75 down to 55 then back up to 75 but i could be wrong.

~bryce

Apr 3, 2012 | 11:43 AM

gfw1985

Cranky Old Guy

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 3,562

Likes: 6

From: Raphine, Virginia

First start, flat tappet cam use a high zinc breakin oil or breakin additive. Run for 20min at 2000-2500 rpm for 15-20 minutes. If you have to stop, continue time when you start it back up. This is to breakin cam and lifters and is a critical procedure. After that, pretty much what mitchell390 say's.