Reconditioned engine start up?

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Apr 16, 2002 | 02:04 PM

plumbronco

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Reconditioned engine start up?

I recently purchased a reconditioned 302 long block for my 67 bronco. The start up instructions say that upon initial start up, to let the engine idle for 5 minutes and during this time adjust the timing to the correct setting. After this, it recommends 100 miles of easy driving with as little deceleration as possible.
Now, this goes against anything I have ever done or was taught to do when starting an engine. I called the remanufacturer "RECON" and asked their tech person, and all he said was. "Follow the instructions sir." No explanation. I asked if they ever get engines back with flat cams, and he said time to time.
What do you guys recommend I do for break in? I am leaning towards the bring it up to 2,000 rpm for 20 minutes method, but I did not see any break in lube around the cam bearings when looking down in the engine. It says it was treated with PROLONG engine oil treatment, which don't impress me if that is what they are using for break in lube on the cam.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dave.

Apr 16, 2002 | 08:18 PM

Franklin2

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Reconditioned engine start up?

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 16-Apr-02 AT 09:19 PM (EST)]I would go by what the instructions say because it is under warrenty. And what all the motor and cam guys say about the 2000 rpm thing is all well and good, but sometimes when I get an engine going for the first time, it's a pretty intense few moments and I don't have time to calmly set there with it at 2000 rpm. There are unforseen water leaks, half the time it's not running well because the timing is too far off, the carb will take a fit and start flooding, etc, etc. Sometimes I have to stop and tweak something and then restart it. Do the new car manufacturers set at the end of the production line and rev the engine for 20 minutes? I don't think so. I wouldn't worry about it. I think the main difference of opinion is full race or near stock. The race guys probably worry about their cams because they are at the ragged edge as what the cam and lifters can tolerate with high lift and steep ramp angles.

Apr 17, 2002 | 04:14 PM

plumbronco

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Reconditioned engine start up?

Thank you for your opinion. Your very right about having alot going on at first. I will most likely be alone for the start up of this truck and not having to worry about the 2,000 RPM procedure would definently make things easier. I also talked to someone yesterday who said they always just idle the truck until the timing is set, water starts to flow through the thermostat, and no leaks are found. Then he shuts them down until the next day. Starts it back up, checks for leaks, and takes it for a ride to break in the engine. He has always used stock cams, and has never had a problem.
So, between the two of you, I feel more confident about the remanufacturers method.

Thanks again.

Dave.

Apr 18, 2002 | 02:03 PM

beartracks

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From: Albuquerque

Reconditioned engine start up?

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 18-Apr-02 AT 03:07 PM (EST)] The main purpose of the 2,000rpm for 20 minutes deal is to insure that the lifters get to rotating on the cam. At idle they may not. If they don't rotate they will wipe out a cam lobe in short order. Maybe that engine was run in on a stand. If not I would definitely use the regular break in routine and then change the oil and filter.

A trick I use on the timing before starting is to get the number 1 cylinder on tdc, then turn the engine untill the proper timing amount comes up on the balancer i.e. 14degrees or so. Then with the key on turn the distibutor with a plug wire off (set a short gap to ground) when you see a spark jump your pretty close.

Bear Tracks

Apr 22, 2002 | 12:56 AM

TorqueKing

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From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Reconditioned engine start up?

The reason why you run it for 20 minutes at 2000 RPM is so the cam gets plenty of oil during the critical first minutes. The cam doesn't get much oil at idle, which can cause a serious friction showdown bewteen the cam lobes and lifter feet. It also helps mate the lobes to thier lifters, and establish a wear pattern. This is why Hydraulic flat tappets may never be used with a new cam, and if reused, they must touch the same lobe they did before.
John F. Daly III
The TorqueKing