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Old Feb 13, 2024 | 01:26 PM
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Getting ready for first fire up

Hey guys, I'm getting ready to seal up my 300 and get it running. I was wondering if there's any special prep I need to do to get oil to the top of the motor. Any tips are welcome.
thanks
 
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Old Feb 13, 2024 | 06:45 PM
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Use an electric drill and a oil pump drive quill from a 460 V8 to spin the oil pump. Rotate the crankshaft a half turn and repeat. Rotate/repeat. Rotate/repeat.
Fill the carb bowls with gas so it fires quickly.
 
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Old Feb 13, 2024 | 07:14 PM
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Ok thanks!
Another question, what thermostat should I run? Im putting a holley sniper 2 in and i have a comp 260 cam. Just curious.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2024 | 01:31 PM
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Valve adjustment

I need to break in my cam at 2000-2500 rpm for 30 minutes. How should I go about adjusting my valves for that? Should I do the snug and then a half turn and mess with them after if they are chattering?
 
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Old Feb 16, 2024 | 06:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Seanmac1007
Ok thanks!
Another question, what thermostat should I run? Im putting a holley sniper 2 in and i have a comp 260 cam. Just curious.
I would run the t-stat that's stock or the one you plan to use long-term. I've never heard of a "break-in" t-stat. I would use an electric house fan (in addition to the one on the truck) to help force air thru the radiator.
Originally Posted by Seanmac1007
I need to break in my cam at 2000-2500 rpm for 30 minutes. How should I go about adjusting my valves for that? Should I do the snug and then a half turn and mess with them after if they are chattering?
For a cam with hydraulic lifters, I was told to run the valves slightly loose. This allows the valves to seat better. Worry about adjusting things after you've gone thru a heat cycle or two.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2024 | 07:55 AM
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It's been over thirty years since I rebuilt an engine but back then we pre-lubed the lifters by completely submersing them in motor oil, used lots of assembly lube on the cam lobes and the bottom of the lifters and torqued the rocker arm assemblies to spec.

 
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Old Feb 16, 2024 | 09:46 AM
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I highly recommend spinning the oil pump to prime everything.

I made a priming tool myself by getting an 8mm hex drive with an extension. Then using a socket extension and a drill.
When you spin it, it'll spin really easily and then slowly bog down as the pressure builds. If you have the valve cover off, you'll eventually see oil coming out of all of the valves and you'll know your whole oil system is primed.

At this point, you can rotate it over by hand a few times to pump some oil into the lifters.

The only thing I've heard about valves is if you use dual springs on the valves to remove the inner spring, so they're applying too much pressure during break in. Otherwise, just run it.







 
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Old Feb 20, 2024 | 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Seanmac1007
Ok thanks!
Another question, what thermostat should I run? Im putting a holley sniper 2 in and i have a comp 260 cam. Just curious.
Run the stock thermostat. Have a garden hose to spray the radiator if you see the temps clmbing.
 
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Old Feb 20, 2024 | 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Seanmac1007
I need to break in my cam at 2000-2500 rpm for 30 minutes. How should I go about adjusting my valves for that? Should I do the snug and then a half turn and mess with them after if they are chattering?
Yes - 1/4-to-1/2 turn AT TDC firing position!
 
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