Engine breakin
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 751
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From: Lufkin Texas
Engine breakin
Should I break in my new engine outside the car on a stand or something before I put in in the car to check for leaks and all? If so any ideas on a stand I thought I saw one link where someone put a water hose in the intake to keep it cool is that ok?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: GA "When I grow up, I'm gonna get a Trans Am and run from the cops". Direct quote from my 4yo son.
I would put it in the car with everything hooked up as if you were going to drive it. Unless you feel like fabricating a test stand or something. Just don't try that on an engine stand or you will face certain disaster.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 751
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From: Lufkin Texas
Originally Posted by 69camfrk
I would put it in the car with everything hooked up as if you were going to drive it. Unless you feel like fabricating a test stand or something. Just don't try that on an engine stand or you will face certain disaster.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,583
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From: Richardson Tx.
I ran mine on an engine stand outside of the car for the same reason that you mentioned- I wanted to leak test before installing since it was my first engine build.
The only issue I had to be concerned about was that my flywheel was pretty close to the engine stand "arms" but it turns out that it was not an issue.
I am a newbie and I did this on my first build so it can be done. I just propped my radiator onto a chair and hooked up the hoses. I also ran (touched) a wire to the starter directly from the battery to get it started. I didn't really see the danger in it other than the fact that exhaust was very loud- not hooked up
. You don't want to rev it quickly with the throttle or else the engine will want to twist on the stand. I revved it steadily for 20 minutes to break it in- yes it leaked- I fixed and tested again- no problem.
I may have a picture if you are intersted.
Rob
The only issue I had to be concerned about was that my flywheel was pretty close to the engine stand "arms" but it turns out that it was not an issue.
I am a newbie and I did this on my first build so it can be done. I just propped my radiator onto a chair and hooked up the hoses. I also ran (touched) a wire to the starter directly from the battery to get it started. I didn't really see the danger in it other than the fact that exhaust was very loud- not hooked up
. You don't want to rev it quickly with the throttle or else the engine will want to twist on the stand. I revved it steadily for 20 minutes to break it in- yes it leaked- I fixed and tested again- no problem.I may have a picture if you are intersted.
Rob
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
More important than checking for leaks, you gotta break in the new cam by running the engine at 2000-2500 rpm for 20 minutes at first start up. A stand is easy to build. You just need some two by fours, saw, drill, drywall screws, your battery, some wire, a gas can, and a garden hose stuck in the thermostat housing. A set of headers with some old glass packs is handy as well. Nice piece of mind knowing that the engine will fire right and have now problems once you put it in the car afterwards.
