Engine Break in procudure

[RUNCHARGER]

Non synthetic to start. The 2000RPM for 20 minutes is to make the lifters comfortable with the camshaft. At the least I would pull the intake and make sure there is lots of camshaft break-in lube on the camshaft and lifters. The priming rod is a long hex shaft that you plug into the oil pump and spin with a drill motor (make sure you spin it the right way). I would spray oil down the cylinders and spin it two revolutions by hand with all the spark plugs out.

[JS29]

I am more bodyman than mechanic, But I understand that synthetic oil should NOT be used for break in oil.   

[Jocigar]

Hi all,

Following up on my previous post I have some pictures.   

I am glad I pulled the pan as advised, there was a quart of oil but also found a few nut shells in base of pan and in the water pump channels.
   
Cleaned pan, vacuumed everything and every hole, loosened rocker bar to release pressure from lifters.

Poured qrt of oil into all cylinders and over cam and then turned engine upside down to drain.

Hand cranked a few turns, it turns fine but its snug feeling... not sure if that is normal given it has not been broken in. 

The rust on valve stems is of concern.  I would rather not rip into a fresh rebuild, but it did sit for 25 years so I will do as advised.   

thanks

[Jocigar]

from boroscope:

[RUNCHARGER]

I am on my way to work and just had a fast look but I would put some lifter lube on the camshaft for sure.

[Chryco Psycho]

it must have been run , the valves would not look like that if it hadn't

[wanderlustin]

from boroscope:

That scope offers incredible photos! 

[Jocigar]

Yes, the $18 dollar boroscope is impressive... download app and plug it in 

CP:  never been run for sure, picked it up as long block from engine guy and then it sat.. and sat...    I was surprised the exhaust ports had some flaking rust while vacuuming, not sure why they would get more moisture that he rest in the engine over the years.   I should have had the sense to spray it down with some now and then while it sat.

So I should pick up some lifter break-in grease for cam.   

As you can see I managed to stick my finger in one of the crack holes and there was some gray grease it there so hopefully main caps are lubed.

Do I need to do anything about the valves ?

thanks all

[Chryco Psycho]

Definately coat the cam .
The heads Must have run before tobuild up carbon like that
You must use SJ or SL or break in oil
you must prelube the engine or pull the caps & use bearing guard in the brgs

[RUNCHARGER]

The pan is off, it will be a 15 minute job with a torque wrench to pull off a main and confirm assembly lube, it's worth a nights sleep for sure.

[Jocigar]

Thanks guys

I was just gun shy about main caps because I rebuilt and blew main rod bearing on a 383 back in my younger days...
but I'll give it a try and torque down bolts three times over (I think that's why 383 blew)  harbor freight click wrench ok?

Sorry for my redundant questions, So:

-high zinc non-synthetic break in oil .. don't know what SJ/SL is.

-coat cam and main bearings with bearing guard

-prime engine with some sort of hex adapter  TBD

-start and run at 2k rpm for 20 min.

Is this correct and in right order please

Do I need to load lifters or they will take care of themselves.

much appreciated.

[Chryco Psycho]

if you coat the brgs with brg guard you do not need to pre oil
Lifters will pressurize on their own
API SJ or SL is oil rating found on the container , many agriculture / farm equip stores still carry it as it is far better oil & is only restricted to offroad use
I hve never used a Harbor Freight tool , I have a Matco Tq wrench

[jimynick]

SJ or SL are oil designations that indicate service use application and you'll find them or others on the bottle or can. I think the lads advice re: refreshing break-in lubes to be cheap and good advice. The oil primer rod is available from Mopar part#P4286800 or from Summit for $16. Roll the engine over by hand 90' at a time while pre-oiling to make sure oil gets to all the passages. Good luck