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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 09:02 PM
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Default Too Thick?

Im getting ready this week to start my new engine and TPI conversion..HOPEFULLY.

Only Vavoline Racing Oil I could find is 20/50. I also plan on adding a can of EOS

Should I go with another oil and the EOS or will the 20w-50 be ok for the 30 min break-in run. I plan on after the first oil change switch to 10w30

suggestions?
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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 09:12 PM
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i am getting 55psi oil pressure using a drill...but i cant get oil to all the rocker arms
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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by JustForFun
i am getting 55psi oil pressure using a drill...but i cant get oil to all the rocker arms
make sure all of the pushrods are clear of debris
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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 10:11 PM
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could the 20w-50 be too thick?
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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 10:47 PM
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You might need to rotate the engine to another position to get oil moving around OK.

I'd just use any good basic 10/30 to start it with. You want it to move quickly to all places and you won't be putting any load on it. The initial start up oil is going to be drained quickly anyway.

Might need to try another store...VR1 can be had in several weights. Or have them order you some for after the intial startup.


Make sure you vary the engine speed during breakin. Don't just set it to a high idle and walk away. Many things like the cam and wristpins and cyl walls are lubed by splash, so you need to vary RPM to throw oil to different places. Often this mistake is the root cause of cam breakin failures.


JIM
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Old Mar 19, 2006 | 11:40 PM
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You can get the VR1 10w30 thru Napa, they may not have it on the floor but can get it from one of their warehouses.
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 08:33 AM
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Originally Posted by 427Hotrod
You might need to rotate the engine to another position to get oil moving around OK.JIM

WHILE drill-primer is spinning, have someone "manually" pull motor through at least 2 full revs ... the oil holes in crank & block are "clocked" ... crank gets oil first ... then, it moves into cam & lifters, lifters are also "clocked" in their bores, then oil moves up lifters etc.
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 08:50 AM
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What type of pre luber are you using. Does it have a bottom piece to it. You will have trouble pressurizing the upper end without this there. When the dist is in it "plugs" this parts and the oil gets up to the top end. I just ran mine the other day with the preluber and it took a good couple of minutes to get it flowing through the pushrods. I do have 20 50 VR1 in mine for break in.
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 08:59 AM
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i think that oil will be fine....some cam manufactures say to use straight 30 weight oil so i think you will be ok.
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Gordonm
What type of pre luber are you using. Does it have a bottom piece to it. You will have trouble pressurizing the upper end without this there. When the dist is in it "plugs" this parts and the oil gets up to the top end. I just ran mine the other day with the preluber and it took a good couple of minutes to get it flowing through the pushrods. I do have 20 50 VR1 in mine for break in.
its one of the autozone units. It has the alum deal on it.
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 09:29 AM
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Should work. Mine took a good 2 minutes before it just started to trickle from the pushrods.
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 09:40 AM
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Would use some Shell Rotella oil for diesels when breaking in new motor. Has a lot more zinc in it then conventional oils do now to help oil cling to surfaces when engine is being broken in. Add the EOS also for more protection. As posted earlier have someone turn the crank over a couple of revolutions while primeing the oil system to make sure oil gets to all the galleries before you start the motor, houstonvett
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 10:28 AM
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im so close to cranking this thing actually kinda scary. Kinda wish i had put the carb back instead of TPI and converting after i had it running. o well to late now. maybe another week or two and ill get around to starting it
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 12:02 PM
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You will be glad you put in the TPI well worth the effort and time to install it. Have to make sure your timing is right on the mark with TDC and distributor before you fire it up. If you have a cam and crank sensor in your setup check them before you fire the motor with a scan tool or laptop to make sure they are working properly, houstonvett
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 12:14 PM
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no cam or crank sensor to worry with. This is a 86 TPI unit and i had it converted to speed density
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Old Mar 20, 2006 | 12:23 PM
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You will enjoy theTPI. I have 2 and love them.

I think 20/50 is a bit heavy for breakin, I would hunt for something a bit thinner.
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