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#Post#: 16933--------------------------------------------------
Running in
DIR By: The Bouncin Brewer
Date: March 25, 2012, 10:03 am
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As the title suggests - what do folk think about running in a
rebuilt engine?
Moons ago I had a recon engine fitted to a decrepit Mk1 Fester
and was advised by the guy who fitted it to run the engine in
and I have childhood memories of over taking folk with 'Please
pass - Running in' signs in the windows.
It's not something that you seem to hear much about these days
and was wondering if it was necessary? The main reason for the
ask is I'll be doing the engine rebuild on Tubs in about 2 weeks
time when I have some holiday but will also be doing a shit load
of trailer work at about that time too - an 88, a 109 and a
Focus all being shunted varying distances round Cumbria.
Peoples views/experience/thoughts will be much appreciated.
#Post#: 17007--------------------------------------------------
Re: Running in
DIR By: Dave
Date: March 25, 2012, 3:47 pm
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It's a good idea to run in a rebuilt engine. I did it years ago
when I rebuilt the engine in my 1976 Cavalier. I fitted a rev
counter to help so I knew that I wasn't over-revving it. I can't
remember what I set my limit to but I torqued the head down
after 500 miles and then progressively allowed the revs up. I
also changed the oil and filter after that first 500 miles.
It's something that you don't see anymore because modern motors
don't require it when new.
#Post#: 17053--------------------------------------------------
Re: Running in
DIR By: Doug_T
Date: March 26, 2012, 5:11 am
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When I did the bottom end on my 109 I was advised to "take it a
little bit easier than normal" but also to ensure the engine was
subjected to a wide range of speeds and load situations. I also
stayed away from the overdrive for a couple of hundred miles as
well. When I did the bottom end on the boingy (which has
exactly the same engine as Tubs) then I just drove as normal
afterwards, with a couple of long motorway trips at 55-60 mph.
However these were both "bottom end refreshers" (ooer) in situ,
and not proper "take it all apart and measure things" efforts as
I wasn't planning on holding on to either engine for much
longer; if they were proper expensive rebuilds then I think my
attitude would have been slightly different.
#Post#: 17058--------------------------------------------------
Re: Running in
DIR By: Goose
Date: March 26, 2012, 5:37 am
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You could call Turners or ACR and ask for their advice. I'm sure
they'd be willing to advise you on the best running in scheme!
With KWD's engine I took it fairly easy for the first hundred or
so miles and then progressively started to work the engine
harder over the next 400 or so, until I got bored.
#Post#: 17066--------------------------------------------------
Re: Running in
DIR By: The Bouncin Brewer
Date: March 26, 2012, 7:25 am
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--- Quote from: Doug_T link ---
>
> However these were both "bottom end refreshers" (ooer) in
situ, and not proper "take it all apart and measure things"
--- End Quote ---
Which is what I'm actually doing - rebuild is a bit of a posh
way of describing it - top end is getting a valve regrind and
not a lot else.
Hadn't though about calling the professionals and asking their
advice :eek: :haha:
So I'll get the rebuild done asap and then, for the good of the
engine, be forced to just tootle around for a couple of hundred
miles, enjoying the scenery and not revving the tits off the old
girl in readiness for the trailer towing abuse......
#Post#: 17073--------------------------------------------------
Re: Running in
DIR By: Doug_T
Date: March 26, 2012, 8:00 am
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--- Quote from: The Bouncin Brewer link ---
>
> So I'll get the rebuild done asap and then, for the good of
the engine, be forced to just tootle around for a couple of
hundred miles, enjoying the scenery and not revving the tits off
the old girl in readiness for the trailer towing abuse......
>
--- End Quote ---
Likewise though, don't be afraid to give it some "work". You
don't want to be grandadding (sorry!) it everywhere barely above
tickover, that will not help the rings to bed in. On your first
start up after refreshing it, don't leave it idling for ages -
make sure it's not leaking and take it for a drive.
A few other things: When you hone the bores don't forget to
cover the crank with something and watch out for the
under-piston oil jets, also if you've got a couple of 7.50's
available stick them on the front (if you don't have a ramp).
It's a bit tight under there when you're dropping the sump and
the big ends to push the pistons out through the top, when you
put the con-rod bolts back in make sure they are seated properly
before tightening them up (it is possible to get it a bit wrong
and drag a burr down which then prevents proper tightening and
I'm sure you can guess what comes next!).
#Post#: 17095--------------------------------------------------
Re: Running in
DIR By: The Bouncin Brewer
Date: March 26, 2012, 9:35 am
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Thanks for the advice Doug.
Scare the hell out of me why don't you - swarf, burrs and
generally buggering up potential! What I have I got to worry
about? :thumbs:
#Post#: 17199--------------------------------------------------
Re: Running in
DIR By: The_Resurrection
Date: March 27, 2012, 3:33 am
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On mine I pottered about with it around town for a few hundred
then used it a bit more harshly but no high rpm, and now (1.5k
after rebuild) I am using it normally but avoiding long periods
at high rpm. Though that will be changing in the next few
hundred miles.
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