[Healeys] Break in procedure

[Oudesluys]

This will release a can of worms. There are so many opinions and methods 
on this.

First you have to decide what you want. Pure performance or longevity.
I prefer to go for the last.
When rebuilding an engine I use plenty of graphite or molybdenum grease 
on all moving surfaces except the cylinder walls (if cast iron) which I 
lubricate with engine oil. I want the X-cross grooves from honing the 
bores to remain intact as these act as small oil reservoirs to lubricate 
the rings.
I fill up with the specified engine oil, mostly 20W50. Start up the 
engine without fuel and plugs until there is oil pressure. Fit the 
plugs, connect the fuel line and start up. Let idle for a few minutes. 
Then drive the car gently in one go for about 50-100miles. Do not exceed 
2500rpm and do not accelerate more than needed. Immediately after the 
trip change the oil and filter. Drive the car gently for about another 
1000miles change oil and filter, re-torque the head, set the tappets, 
check the mixture, check all bolts and nuts and then start to increase 
the speeds and loads gradually. It should be run in at about 5000miles. 
This way you also preserve the small X-cross grooves in the bores.
This will ensure a lifetime lasting engine.

For outright performance/racing this method will not work as you may end 
up with an engine that is to tight and may show problems at prolonged 
high speeds by overheating and may be piston/cylinder problems.
It is also very important who did the machining. It hugely depends on 
the tolerances and surface conditions to which the engine parts are 
machined. If machined using the original tolerances you can expect less 
life and running in is very important. If modern tolerances and surface 
conditions are used running in is far less important if at all 
necessary. But always make sure you have the first oil and filter 
changes after 50-100 and 1000miles.

Kees Oudesluijs
NL


Op 29-6-2012 21:58, editorgary at aol.com schreef:
> For break-in of a new engine, three key tips from my race car mechanic --
> molybdenum assembly grease on all rubbing surfaces, Torco break-in oil (I'm
> convinced from data, tests, and specs, it's the best stuff on the market for
> those key few minutes of initial operation, and run it over various loads
> during the first 20 minutes,........ Alternatively, after
> the car has run for 5-10 minutes after start-up, at least run it up and down
> the street (a hill is even better).