going to start my engine after a complete rebuild . I would like to know how everyone would go about this. I've been told to pre-oil it,start it and let it run for half an hour at 2000rpm then shut it off to break in the cam lobes. Do i just drive it normally after that not holding at any one rpm range for awhile would just like some input, as i want to break it in properly Engine is a 318 plymouth with slight modifications, cam and .30 overbore thanks

stoke;
sounds as if you have it under control. i personally run a few less rpms, about 1500, i always thought 2000 was a little fast. i have the timing light hooked up so as to get the timing close during its maiden run and can set it to specs after it has run for the 30 minute cam break in period.(have a jug of warm water handy to make sure radiator stays full while it's warming up)i always recommend a first oil and filter change at about 500 miles after an overhaul. just my nickels worth. happy motoring!
rickd :-)
--
project...39 ford pickup

Is there a way to prime the oil pump on a 318?

Get oil pressure before you ever start it. IE: on the starter motor with the ignition off.

my .02

Jim
--
Time is natures way of keeping everything from happening at once.

Ditto Jim! The only addition I've ever made to the startup sequence is to remove the plugs and squirt some light weight oil into each cylinder. Pull the coil wire, and spin it up with the starter. With no plugs in it, you should see oil pressure in a hurry with the speed it's turning! Oh yeah, remove the valve covers and squirt the same lube on the rockers and just about anything that moves therein. Got a 318 in my Ram pickup and with fuel injection, it's a far cry more powerful than the older carbed versions. Good luck with it!
BTW, I once had a '65 Formula S Bacaruda (yeah I know it's spelled wrong :)) * with the HO 273 cu.in. motor that I think had more going for it for the size than many others.
My question for the membership is, where can I find all the specs for that motor and would it be possible to duplicate the motor without breaking the bank. As I remember, it was also a lightweight and would make a great street motor in a lightweight car. What years was that block used in and what automatic tranny would fit it?
Thanks and GL with the motor Fred P

might triumphs over right
--
Fred P.

the easiest, would be to fill the oil filter before it is installed, then as you stated, pull the coil wire and roll it over. it won't take long and you will have oil at the rockers. i was just told the other day that some engine builders are recommending marvel mystery oil on the pistons and rings on installation; has anyone else heard of this? i,ve also been told that synthetic oils on break-in are not recommended.
rickd :-)
--
project...39 ford pickup

Stoke, all the tips on a new engine are good ones. The reason to break in a new rebuild at 2000rpm is to break in a new cam. The cam gets oiled on most V8 s by rod bearing splash , and at idle the rods don't throw enough oil to keep a new cam well oiled. Run it around 2000 Rpm for about 20 minutes and the cam should be broke in. Keep a fire ext. close just in case.

































































































keep a look out for Fuel leaks.

thanks for all the info. one more thing i would like to know . what type and weight oil should i use during this break-in period. thanks again.

i personally use 10-30 motor oil.
rickd :-)
--
project...39 ford pickup