Start-up and Break-in Procedures
1.
After installing the engine, ensure the crankcase has been filled with 5W30 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. Follow the instructions enclosed with the tool. To prime the engine,
first remove the distributor to allow access to the oil pump drive shaft. Note the position of the distributor before removal.
Install the oil priming tool, part number 141-955 from our licensed partner. Using a 1/2"
dill motor, rotate the engine oil
priming tool clockwise for three minutes. While you are priming the engine, have someone
else rotate the crankshaft
clockwise to supply oil throughout the engine and to all the bearing surfaces before the engine is
initially started. 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. Reinstall the distributor in the same orientation as it was removed.
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. Verify everything is installed properly and nothing was missed.
4.
Start the engine and adjust the initial timing. Set the ignition timing to 10º before top dead center (BTDC) at 650
rpm with the vacuum advance line to the distributor disconnected and plugged. This setting will produce 32º of total
advance at wide-open throttle (WOT). The HEI vacuum advance canister should remain disconnected. This engine is
designed to operate using only the internal centrifugal advance to achieve the correct timing curve. Rotate the distributor
counterclockwise to advance the timing. Rotate the distributor clockwise to retard the timing.
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, Double check the total advance timing is 32° at 4000 RPM if using the deluxe engine
configuration.
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 back to idle (0% throttle) in gear.
9.
Run two or three hard throttle (WOT 100%) accelerations to about 4000 RPM and back to idle (0% throttle) in gear.
10.
Change the oil and filter. Replace with 5W30 motor oil (not synthetic) and a PF454 AC Delco 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 under normal conditions or 12 to 15 engine hours. 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 be suitable to use synthetic motor oil after the second recommended oil
change and mileage accumulation. In colder regions, a lower viscosity oil may be required for better flow characteristics.
