Proper rebuilt short block break in procedure

Eddie Fiorelli Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks.
>
> "There's a very small window of opportunity to get
> the rings to seal really well ... the first 20
> miles !!
>
> If the rings aren't forced against the walls soon
> enough, they'll use up the roughness before they
> fully seat. Once that happens there is no solution
> but to re hone the cylinders, install new rings
> and start over again."
>
> Perhaps its the use of two exclamation points,
> count them , two!! that is bringing me back to
> him.
>
That's why you want to bring the thing up to temp and a moderate load will do it sooner.
Same as you standing in the cold and twiddling your thumbs, you are doing something but it won't warm you up.
Jogging along will make you warn, tho.

There is something between no load 2000 rpm in neutral and beating the thing mercilessly.

(I once had a job rebuilding as in complete teardown of a 10,500 shp at 650 rpm V20 twin turbo 80 valve diesel. It had just be "rebuilt" a few weeks before but the guys spent 3 days working on the fuel oil heaters while the engine was idling.
Glazed the cylinders and when they put a load on it it smoked badly. About 5 rings per hole so 100 grooves to clean to perfection. Rod caps weighed 185 lbs each
Crazy shit but really same shit, just bigger.)
>
>
> Edited 2 times. Last edit at Nov 10, 2008 by Eddie
> Fiorelli.

---

John Vanlandingham
Sleezattle, WA, USA

Vive le Prole-le-ralliat

www.rallyrace.net/jvab
CALL +1 206 431-9696
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/11/2008 12:48AM by john vanlandingham.

I build quite a few motors in the shop and out in the field each year. These are large Caterpillar diesel engines. The engines are very expensive and the down time is usually worse.

In the shop I put them on the dyno and run them up to operating temperature asap. I then load the engine to half it's rating for 15 minutes and then full load for 30 minutes. After cool down I change the oil and cut the filter open for an inspection. That's it.

In the field I run the engine against the torque converter or push against the dock to load it. With the torque converter method you have to be careful not to over heat the transmition so the break in procedure is a bit abbreviated. Pushing against the dock I use the 1/2 for 15 then full for 30 method.

On an installed automotive engine I run it at 2k then change the oil and cut the filter. After that I like to load the engine by driving it up into the mountains.

In 18 years I have only had two problems. 1) Installed the wrong size bearings on a 3406 which lead to 9 psi oil pressure. 2) A tugboat engine ran away on me because I didn't adjust the fuel control linkage correctly.

Bottom line: keep it warm, keep some load on it and change the oil and filter.

Good luck!!!

---

Robert.

"You are way too normal to be on Rally Anarchy." Eddie Fiorelli.

Eddie Fiorelli Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks.
>
> Quick follow up:
>
> What is a good quality, natural petroleum oil? I
> could search this out but while I have your
> attention.... I'm likely overthinking this aren't
> I? Castrol GTX good? Valvoline? Too many
> choices!!1!!
>
Yes, we use castrol GTX for breakin and rally #1. Seems to have been a good, consistent oil over the years. (Far batter than the old heavily parafinned PA oils like the old Quaker State!). GTX used to be my oil of choice in rallying, before Mobil 1 came along.

Regards,
Mark B.

john vanlandingham Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> (I once had a job rebuilding as in complete
> teardown of a 10,500 shp at 650 rpm V20 twin turbo
> 80 valve diesel. It had just be "rebuilt" a few
> weeks before but the guys spent 3 days working on
> the fuel oil heaters while the engine was idling.
> Glazed the cylinders and when they put a load on
> it it smoked badly. About 5 rings per hole so 100
> grooves to clean to perfection. Rod caps weighed
> 185 lbs each
> Crazy shit but really same shit, just bigger.)
>

That's a good lesson, John. Not too many V20's around! Thanks for sharing the story.

Mark B.