"Bill Payer" <work@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:bnMNf.101443$YJ4.22706@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Any advice on running in rebuilt 3.9 V8?
> I am aiming, hopefully, to start up the engine and run it at tick over for
> about 15 seconds (new rear oil seal) and then at about 2000rpm for 10 - 15
> minutes to bed in the new cam. I have also heard that there is a
> particular way to drive initially to prevent the cylinder bores glazing,
> is this true?
> Thanks.
Start it up and run it at 2000 rpm for 15 min, if you let it sit at idle for
even just 15 sec you will cause cam lobe wear. If you need to shut it down
for any reason (running very lean or retarded timing, both indicated by
glowing red manifolds for example), then do so but on restart go straight to
2000 again. Only after this can you let it idle and accurately set timing
and mixture. The rear crank seal will be fine as long as you lubricated the
seal lip on installation. For the first few hundred miles, do not let the
engine sit at a constant rpm or throttle setting as this is what glazes the
bores. Vary the load and speed, keeping the revs below 2500 and throttle
below half, if possible. For the next few hundred miles, steadily increase
the ammount of throttle and revs until it has done around 500 miles, it will
now be effectively run in.
I reccomend oil and filter changes after initial few hours of running, then
a further oil change at 500 miles, then an oil change every 3-4000 with the
filter being replaced every second oil change. Remember not to remove the
filter whilst the sump is drained as the system might not self-prime again,
wrecking all your rebuild work. Procedure best followed is:-
Drain oil.
Replenish oil to full mark.
Start engine, ensuring oil light goes out, and idle for 10 seconds or so.
Stop engine, remove filter.
Fit new filter, pre-filled with fresh oil.
Start engine, ensuring oil light goes out, run for 10 sec or so again.
Stop and check level.
Make sure you use the correct grade of oil, this engine was designed to
operate with a high-flow, low pressure oil system using 20W50 grade oil.
Halfords do a suitable oil in the red plastic containers, although it is a
15W50 it will be just fine, or Castrol Classic 20W50, these are the 2 oils I
reccomend.
Badger.
B.H.Engineering,
Rover V8 engine specialists.
www.bhengineering.co.uk
www.roverv8engines.com