352 engine start up

[Guest]

Im going to start up my engine this weekend any advice on how to do it properly with break in and oil change?

[Guest]

RE: 352 engine start up

The engine start up. Always a moment of truth. I do what the racers call a nut and bolt. I go over everything and make sure its ready. The distribator is the last thig I put in, I then prime the oil pump. Useing a drill and a 1/4 inche extension and socket I turn the oil pump drive shaft.(352 is counter clock wise)This primes the pump and galleys. Then I turn the motor over while priming this lubes the engine. I then find tdc #1 and set the distribator. You then can start the motor. After seting everything to speck I set the cam. The cam manufactur has there own rules on that so contact them if they did not supply you with that info. I change the oil at 500 miles. I cut the oil filter open and cheak for any metal this is an early sign to the life of the engine. reagular breakin is 1000 mile that gives the rings time to set so don' worry to much about some blue puffs of smoke once in a while at first. It is norrmal but persistant blue smoke is. I hope this helps.

[JohnG]

RE: 352 engine start up

once you have it out on the road, consider running it for about 30-45 minutes at a time, at varying speeds and avoiding idling in traffic.
Pull over and check for leaks. When you feel the cooling system is tight, put a quart of Liquid Kool in it to protect the cooling system from rusting.

Right away check the tranny fluid level with it at idle and after you have shifted through the gears (automatic assumed here). I am assuming you had the radiator out and hence lost some fluid.

I had some blow by for about the first 40-50 miles which then ceased. I never did see any use of oil on the dipstick. I have cast iron rings.

Make sure your temperature gauge is working properly so you know what is going on. If the sending unit is not properly grounded, you will see artificially low readings.

John
'58 hardtop, motor with 420 miles on it