Club 80-90 Forums

So. Many hours and a fair bit of cash later my engine is going back together. The new parts we mean it needs running in. I have coated my new cam and hydraulic tappets in cam lub. Pumped oil into oil ways. Then I started reading.. looks like everyone has a different approach.
So how do I prime an oil pump?
Should I crank without plugs till the oil light goes out?
What oil should I use for running in.
About the only consistent is the advice about running in the new cam.
Answers to any of the above and any other advice on that first fire and first few 100 miles much appreciated..

Hello,

Asw wrote:So. Many hours and a fair bit of cash later my engine is going back together. The new parts we mean it needs running in. I have coated my new cam and hydraulic tappets in cam lub. Pumped oil into oil ways. Then I started reading.. looks like everyone has a different approach.

So far so good....

So how do I prime an oil pump?

You normally prime the pump through the 2 holes in the sides at 10 o clock and 4 o clock, before fitting..

Not practical now you have the engine bar in place... so remove the oil pressure switch, fill the oil filter, ( no spark plugs) and crank the engine until it has filled up to the top of the oil cooler.. refit the oil press switch, and you should start to get oil pressure..

Should I crank without plugs till the oil light goes out?

yes.. and this is a good moment to do a compression check to make sure the valve timing is correct..

What oil should I use for running in.

Same oil as you are going to use regularly..change the oil and filter after 200 miles.. to remove any crud from the rebuild..

Answers to any of the above and any other advice on that first fire and first few 100 miles much appreciated..

This video towards the end shows start up..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la9UI9FzEFo" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

After 200 miles drop oil change, retorque heads (top and bottom), go over the engine case for loose nuts, especially around the front and rear oil seals..

Check the exhaust nuts..

Recheck the ignition timing..

Then its Aircooled bliss...

Hope this helps..

Cordialement,

A wonderful response, as always, many thanks. (Oops!! Has been very helpfull ) I was going to photo log all this but it just never happened . So a few words and photos of the worst bits will follow.