I have always preferred to run engines up to operating temperature even if it means cardboard in front of the radiator. Of course the temperature has to be closely monitored. I like to vary the rpm between 1k and 2k. In my opinion, it takes heat to make rings seat. I use plain water too with a can or 2 of alumaseal in it. I add another can when I put in coolant.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

Just my two cents about how to prime the carb - if its a Holley, and I think yours is a 4160 type?

I remove the sight plugs from the fuel bowls and then fill by pouring through the vent tubes - the ketchup bottle method from a little different angle. Just fill up to the bottom of the sight holes.

Be sure the neutral safety switch doesn't catch you snoozing!!!! 

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

Al's suggestion about using water instead of anti-freeze is a good one.  Besides any potential mess that antifreeze creates if it leaks, water actually cools better than antifreeze.  And if the water is drained afterwards and the engine allowed to sit empty for a bit before refilling with the coolant you plan on using, small potential leaks will ‘rust’ themselves shut.  Sounds crude but it works.

 

I prefer to start the engines with the radiator cap and thermostat in place.  If the thermostat has a 1/8” hole in it for air bleed purposes, then the potential for air locks is minimized.  Running the engines in with the thermostat removed is an option but the operating temperature is essentially uncontrolled.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

All good suggestions here. I like to set up a temporary panel of mechanical gauges-tach, oil pressure, water temp. right out where you can see them all times.

I use straight water in case of a leak its easier to clean up and add antifreeze after.

good luck, have fun. and shoot a movie and post it on utube for us to enjoy.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

I wonder about the overheating issue. That could be damaging. Running a new engine at 2000RPM from the start for 20 minutes has a few risks it seems to me. Leaving the radiator cap off, and having a thermostat closed due to a cold engine, and the possibility of air pockets in the cooling system could lead to a mess or worse. Would it be better to run the break-in period without a thermostat attempting to avoid a boil over due to air in the system which backup behind the TStat causing it not to open? Steam burns are not fun and trying to cool an engine that has overheated with air pockets is tough. Any recommendations?



Mark

57 Black Tbird 312/auto

How about removing the float cover and holding the needle valve open while pouring in gas? Wouldn't that insure complete filling of carb, fuel line & pump?

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

On my test stand I use a boat gas tank with a primer ball hooked to the fuel pump and just squeeze until ball is hard which should be once the float chambers are full. Use clear hose or filter between pump and carb so you can see it fill. You can also do this while in the car, just hook boat tank to fuel pump to make sure you are sucking clean gas and not dirty from the car tank while breaking in.

You can also fill the carb through the air vents of the float chamber.

Make sure all fluids are up to par because yes you want to run for 20 minutes at 2000 rpm or so. A cheap tach may be a must to temporarily hook up and watch or another means of monitoring rpm's.

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?

Starting an engine for the first time can be more exciting than you want. The idea is to not crank a lot before it starts and then run it fast enough to oil the cam and lifters 2000/2500 RPM for 20 minutes. Check timing and good spark before you crank it.

So have enough gas for 20 minutes. DO NOT OVERHEAT, as in have water in the radiator. A hose to fill radiator and no radiator cap. Have a way to set the distributor to what you want (loosen the hold down SLIGHTLY). 20 minutes is a long time to hold the throttle open, have a way to set the throttle. A lot of smoke happens in 20 minutes be outside. Lots of noise too. A FIRE EXTINGUISHER is good to have. If its an automatic be sure your in N or P and chock the wheels. Got oil in the engine?

Take a video.

Good luck Pete

Ketchup should be cleaned out first I assume and NOT return bottle to diner when finished?

  

With fuel line disconnected you can use a ketchup bottle of the type found in diners, filled with gas.  Push the tip into the carb inlet fitting and squeeze.

Mike, located in the Siskiyou mountains, Southern, OR 292 powered 1946 Ford 1/2 ton, '62 Mercury Meteor, '55 Country Squire (parting out), '64 Falcon, '54 Ford 600 tractor.