The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Rocker Arm Adjustment Without Rotating The Crank 1950 216

Hi all. I had read some posts a while back that said you shouldn't turn over a new engine with the valve train in place on a "splash oiler". The reasoning was that you'll remove the assembly lube from the cam lobes and possibly ruin the cam with the initial start. I had also read that you should run it up to about 2000 RPM as soon as it starts and let it sit there for about 20 minutes so there's plenty of oil splash to break in the cam and lifters.

Based on this information, I beefed up my engine stand so I could install the bellhousing, the flywheel, and then rotate the crank so I could install the clutch assembly before installing the lifters, push rods and rocker shaft. It's already at TDC on #1 so I can set half the valves. Now I'm sure I have no choice but to rotate the crank to set the valve lash on the remaining valves. Am I just being too cautious and should just go ahead and rotate it? Thanks, Shawn

Yes, you're being a little too cautious. A good cam/lifter assembly lube will stay on the cam through several low-speed turns of the crankshaft, definitely if it's rolled over by hand to adjust the valves. Cam/lifter damage usually happens if a new engine build is allowed to idle right after startup, or if the ignition timing and fuel system isn't reliable enough to keep the engine runnning. Make sure the valve clearance, ignition timing, and carb is ready to run, and you've got enough cooling capacity to avoid overheating during the run-in period. I used to use a big squirrel cage blower C-clamped to a workbench stool to provide lots of airflow to the radiator while running-in a fresh engine- - - -20-30 minutes at 2K RPM or so.
Jerry

Thanks Jerry for the good advice and taking the time to answer questions for us newbys. Shawn