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Top > Miscellaneous > Performance Engine Start-up & Brake-In Procedures |
Untitled Document
Start-Up and Break-In
Procedures
1. After installing the engine, ensure the crankcase has been
filled with the correct (refer to instruction sheets that come with the crate
engine) motor oil (non-synthetic) to the recommended oil fill level on the dipstick.
Also check and fill as required any other necessary fluids such as coolant, power
steering fluid, etc.
2. The engine should be primed with oil prior to starting. Do
this by using an engine oil priming tool. If you do not have one, one can be obtained
through GM, part number 12368084. Follow the instructions enclosed with the tool.
This is the sure way to get oil to the bearings before you start the engine for
the first time. Also, prime the engine if it sits for extended periods of time.
3. Safety first. If the vehicle is on the ground, be sure the
emergency brake is set, the wheels are chocked and the car cannot fall into gear.
4. Start the engine and adjust the initial timing. Set the ignition
timing to timing specified in the instruction sheet and the engine idle to the
speed as specified in the instruction sheet. Rotate the distributor counterclockwise
to advance the timing. Rotate the distributor clockwise to retard the timing.
Leave the vacuum advance disconnected.
5. When possible, you should always allow the engine to warm
up prior to driving. It is a good practice to allow the oil sump and water temperature
to reach 180° F before towing heavy loads or performing hard acceleration
runs.
6. Once the engine is warm, set the total advance timing as specified
in the instruction sheet.
7. The engine should be driven at varying loads and conditions
for the first 30 miles or one hour without wide open throttle (WOT) or sustained
high RPM accelerations.
8. Run five or six medium throttle (50%) accelerations to about
4000 rpm and 55 mph (if application is a vehicle), and back to idle (0% throttle)
in gear.
9. Run two or three hard throttle (WOT 100%) accelerations to
about 5000 rpm and 55 mph (if application is a vehicle), and back to idle (0%
throttle) in gear.
10. Change the oil and filter. Replace with 20W50 racing motor
oil (not synthetic) and an ACDelco oil filter. Inspect the oil and the oil filter
for any foreign particles to ensure that the engine is functioning properly.
11. Drive the next 500 miles (or 12 to 15 engine hours) under
normal conditions. Do not run the engine at its maximum rated engine speed. Also,
do not expose the engine to extended periods of high load.
12. Change the oil and filter. Again, inspect the oil and oil
filter for any foreign particles to ensure that the engine is functioning properly.
13. Do not use synthetic oil for break-in. It would only be suitable
to use synthetic motor oil after the second recommended oil change and mileage
accumulation.
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