The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop initial start problems

Yeah, now that I got it running what do I do?

My thoughts are to check oil, water, clean up around it, then run it again for awhile to set idle, valves, etc.

Then change oil, oil filter, drain the radiator and fill with antifreeze solution, run it agin to make sure it's operating well. The articles I'v read all say "thake it out on the road and run for 50 miles, varying load and speed". No way I can do any of that, but I guess if I run it at varying RPM that'll have to do.

I was a bit worried when I saw oil dripping out of the bottom of the engine, but finally realized that it was oil leaking from the valves, running down the side of the engine, and dripping to the ground near the bell housing. Thought I had a rear main seal leak at first! And all that oil running off the valves made the exhaust manifold smoke pretty good.

If anyone has hints or suggestions about how to make sure the engine is broken in properly let me know.

Now I just have to install the transmission and drive shafts, get the brakes all working (including the parking brake). get the exhaust system hooked up, start doing the body work.....

Tim