Engine Break-In Guide: Do It Right from the Start!

You’ve invested a significant amount in building your Car Lift For Sale engine, meticulously planning every detail from bearings to pistons, crankshaft to cams. With no shortcuts taken in your quest for power, you have the receipts to prove it. But before you start the engine for the first time, there are crucial steps to follow. Skipping them could lead to costly mistakes. Here’s a guide to properly breaking in your engine.

Safety First

1. Inspection: Thoroughly check all moving parts you’ve interacted with during the Car Lift For Sale engine removal or installation. Verify coolant, gear oil (or ATF), and engine break-in oil levels. We recommend AMSOIL SAE30 Break-In Oil for the initial start and break-in. Before starting, ensure the parking brake is engaged, the transmission is in neutral, and the wheels are chocked.

2. Priming the Car Lift For Sale Engine: Remove the crankshaft position sensor and crank the engine until the oil light turns off. If your vehicle doesn’t have an oil pressure light, install an aftermarket gauge to monitor oil pressure. Ensure you’re generating pressure with the CPS unplugged, then reconnect the CPS or fuel pump fuse and start the car.

3. Proper RPMs and Run Times: After the initial start, let the engine run for 20 minutes at varying speeds between 2000 and 3000 RPM. This helps with camshaft break-in and ensures piston rings and moving components are properly seated. After the first 20 minutes, check for any oil, coolant, or fuel leaks. If everything is in order, take the car for a drive. Recommended driving distance is no less than 30 miles, focusing on low-load, long pulls followed by engine braking to help seat the piston rings. Avoid full throttle and boost scenarios. Monitor your gauges closely and adjust your AFRs if needed.

4. Oil Change Intervals: For the initial start, use SAE 30 break-in oil and a new oil filter. If SAE 30 isn’t available, conventional oil is acceptable. Change the oil at 50 miles, then refill with SAE 30 break-in oil or conventional oil and continue the break-in process for another 450 miles. At 500 miles, perform another oil change with conventional oil and a new filter. The final oil change before completing the break-in procedure is at 1500 miles, switching to conventional or synthetic oil and a new filter. Afterward, follow the standard 3000-mile oil change interval.

At Car Lift For Sale, we’ve built hundreds of high-output engines over the years. Our clean room and expert team ensure each engine is assembled for optimal reliability and performance. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or download our engine break-in procedure here!

Introduction to Engine Rebuilding

Maintaining your car’s engine is essential for keeping it in top condition. Over time, engines can suffer from wear and tear on key components, leading to reduced power, efficiency issues, and other problems. A car engine rebuild can restore lost power, improve fuel efficiency, resolve existing issues, and extend your vehicle’s lifespan, ultimately saving you money.

Before starting a Car Lift For Sale engine rebuild, ensure you have the right tools and equipment. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need, though additional tools might be required for specific tasks:

– Wrenches and Socket Set: For removing and attaching various engine components.

– Engine Hoist: To safely remove the engine from your vehicle.

– Engine Stand: For working on the engine more comfortably.

– Gasket and Seal Kit: To prevent leaks during the rebuild.

– Cleaning Supplies: Solvents, brushes, and a parts washer for cleaning engine components.

– Micrometer: For measuring clearances between engine components.

– Safety Gear: Safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator for protection from fumes and debris.

– Engine Rebuilding Manual: Specific to your engine model for reference.

– Replacement Parts: Necessary for a comprehensive rebuild.

Assessing Your Engine

Before starting the rebuild, evaluate whether it’s necessary by looking for these signs:

– Loss of Power: A noticeable decrease in power or acceleration might indicate engine wear or damage.

– Excessive Smoke: Increased exhaust smoke could signal issues with piston rings, valves, or other components.

– Unusual Noises: Knocking or ticking sounds may suggest internal engine problems.

– Overheating: Frequent overheating can cause engine damage and might require a rebuild.

– Oil Consumption: Excessive oil burning or loss could indicate worn-out components.

To diagnose your engine issues, follow these steps:

1. Visual Inspection: Look for leaks, loose connections, or damaged components. Check the engine bay for major leaks or oil-fouled spark plugs.

2. Listen Carefully: Start the engine and listen for unusual sounds like knocking or tapping, which may indicate worn bearings or other internal issues.

3. Check Fluids: Examine the oil, coolant, and transmission fluid for discoloration or contamination.

4. Scan for Error Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes related to misfires, knock sensors, or emissions.

5. Car Lift For Sale Compression Test: Perform a compression test to assess internal components like pistons, rings, and valves. Compare readings with the specifications in your repair manual.

6. Consult a Professional: If unsure or lacking equipment, seek a professional mechanic’s advice for a thorough inspection.

Step-by-Step Engine Rebuilding Process

Once you’ve determined a rebuild is necessary, follow these steps:

Disassembly and Removal

1. Safety First: Disconnect the battery and secure the vehicle on jack stands.

2. Drain Fluids: Remove engine oil, coolant, and other fluids to prevent spills.

3. Remove Accessories: Disconnect and remove accessories such as the alternator and power steering pump. Mark fasteners for reassembly.

4. Disconnect Wiring and Hoses: Label and disconnect all wiring and hoses, protecting them from damage.

5. Remove Engine Mounts: Remove engine mounts and any attachments securing the engine.

6. Lift the Engine: Use an engine hoist to carefully remove the engine and place it on an engine stand.

Car Lift For Sale Cleaning and Inspection

1. Thorough Cleaning: Clean all engine components using a parts washer.

2. Visual Inspection: Check each component for wear, damage, or corrosion.

3. Measuring Clearances: Use a micrometer to measure clearances and tolerances, replacing parts that are out of spec.

Engine Block Machining and Preparation

1. Block Inspection: Inspect the engine block for cracks or warping that may require machining.

2. Machining: Have the engine block machined to restore its surfaces if necessary.