I have finally completed two 20-minute runs at 2000 rpm, under no load - temp 185 - oil 50 psi. There are no sounds out of the ordinary. After first 20 I dropped the oil and cut open the filter, there was no sign of metal. Headers nearly melted plug wire boots, I have ordered heat shields. There is no smoke coming from the valley or the exhaust.

Is there any concern if I continue by running the engine on the stands at idle and cranking, it has not been placed under load yet? I need to bleed the power steering which requires cranking without starting and I want to fine tune the fuel and ignition systems and adjust the valve lash.

Many Thanks for all of your help.



.150 Stroked Y-Block:327.25 ci @ >1hp per ci
 

Without putting the engine under a load, there is the risk of ‘glazing’ the cylinder walls which will prolong the piston ring break-in.  Even once the initial run in is performed, it’s still recommended to fast idle the engine when running it in lieu of just a slow idle if it’s necessary to just be cranking up the engine before hitting the road with it.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)