Starting engine for 1st time, process....wooohooo
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Starting engine for 1st time, process....wooohooo
Ready to fire her up for the first time in my ownership after a 2 yr frame off. 
The engine has 200 around the neighborhood miles from the previous owner including a few runs down the dragstrip with a rev limiter. It is a Merlin engine and was dyno'd by Bill Mitchell before shipping.
"The World big-block crate motors are built up from all-new parts, then run on the engine dyno for one hour—a 45-minute initial break-in on the outer valvesprings only, then at least six full-throttle, full-power runs."
The block has not been opened up since it was pulled from the car 2 years ago, aside from replacing the intake from a Merlin to an Airgap.
My question...do I really need run the engine for 20 minutes and replace the oil?? (even though its already been broken in) thats expensive...I know less expensive then replacing a blown cylinder.
If I do have to replace the oil after 20 minutes, can I use a less expensive oil then put the good Shell Rotella T 15w-40 non-synthetic? or is it bad to mix? or is now not the time to count my pennies 
Also, anyone want to describe what I should keep an eye on or have handy during the initial start up. What process/steps would you follow?
The engine has 200 around the neighborhood miles from the previous owner including a few runs down the dragstrip with a rev limiter. It is a Merlin engine and was dyno'd by Bill Mitchell before shipping.
"The World big-block crate motors are built up from all-new parts, then run on the engine dyno for one hour—a 45-minute initial break-in on the outer valvesprings only, then at least six full-throttle, full-power runs."
The block has not been opened up since it was pulled from the car 2 years ago, aside from replacing the intake from a Merlin to an Airgap.
My question...do I really need run the engine for 20 minutes and replace the oil?? (even though its already been broken in) thats expensive...I know less expensive then replacing a blown cylinder.
If I do have to replace the oil after 20 minutes, can I use a less expensive oil then put the good Shell Rotella T 15w-40 non-synthetic? or is it bad to mix? or is now not the time to count my pennies Also, anyone want to describe what I should keep an eye on or have handy during the initial start up. What process/steps would you follow?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I would not feel a second break in period is needed with the exception of driving the **** out of it and putting that engine through the paces.
Perform a 500 mile oil change, and then swap to your 3000 mile schedule if that's what you normally follow.
Perform a 500 mile oil change, and then swap to your 3000 mile schedule if that's what you normally follow.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
It is already broken in. Fire it up and check for leaks and fuel leaks. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Once it is warmed up and no leaks go out and hammer it. Watch out it is a power house you have there. Don't come home with a tree in the grill. I would change the oil after a few hundred miles just to be safe in case any trash got into it. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
If it's fresh oil a filter change after first fire up just in case, as already mentioned. Careful with the throttle in the corners, the torque will enable you to swap ends faster than you can say OH GAWD. 
Take a spray bottle of water with you, after you're done you may need to re-hydrate your teeth so your lips will slide back into place from all the grinning.
Take a spray bottle of water with you, after you're done you may need to re-hydrate your teeth so your lips will slide back into place from all the grinning.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From: Somerville NJ
Was it stored inside? I had the lifters stick on a used S B C after sitting for 1 yr. Just let it idle and it smothed out. The hanes book says to prime the engin with the oil pump befor starting after a rebuiild maby this is a good idea for you. I would change the oil.Good luck.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
so true.Was it stored inside? I had the lifters stick on a used S B C after sitting for 1 yr. Just let it idle and it smothed out. The hanes book says to prime the engin with the oil pump befor starting after a rebuiild maby this is a good idea for you. I would change the oil.Good luck.
Previous owner also lubed it up before storage.
I will prime the oil prior to the start up via removing the distributor.
And I will prime the fuel system and draw fuel up to the RacePump.
Thanks guys
I had to fab up a throttle bracket last night and positioned the springs so the gas pedal was nice and smooth.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Good advice though.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,342
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Superior Wisconsin
Mine was sitting for 15 yrs!!!
I changed oil and while I was at it I also changed out all wires and plugs and hoses.
What I did was while all the plugs were out was unplugged the distributor and turned it over with the starter till I got oil pressure then I buttoned it all back up then held my breath and fired it up.
I had 1 lifter not pump up until I got POed and did a nice burnout in front of the house now it stays up.
I changed oil and while I was at it I also changed out all wires and plugs and hoses.
What I did was while all the plugs were out was unplugged the distributor and turned it over with the starter till I got oil pressure then I buttoned it all back up then held my breath and fired it up.
I had 1 lifter not pump up until I got POed and did a nice burnout in front of the house now it stays up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
Bring a change of underwear you may be
at 70 MPH touch the gas a little and do one of those 180 degree
bat turns when you were not expecting it. I remember sliding
sideways at 110 right in front of the Rebsman Ford dealership then it came around and I was going backward. After It came to a stop
looked over at a friend riding with me, scared the **** out of him
spooked me too. I found out the hard way that the all new for 1973 radial firestone 500 tires were not worth a flip.
at 70 MPH touch the gas a little and do one of those 180 degree
bat turns when you were not expecting it.
I remember slidingsideways at 110 right in front of the Rebsman Ford dealership then it came around and I was going backward. After It came to a stop
looked over at a friend riding with me, scared the **** out of him
spooked me too. I found out the hard way that the all new for 1973 radial firestone 500 tires were not worth a flip.
Last edited by Little Mouse; Oct 19, 2007 at 08:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Bring a change of underwear you may be
at 70 MPH touch the gas a little and do one of those 180 degree
bat turns when you were not expecting it. I remember sliding
sideways at 110 right in front of the Rebsman Ford dealership then it came around and I was going backward. After It came to a stop
looked over at a friend riding with me, scared the **** out of him
spooked me too. I found out the hard way that the all new for 1973 radial firestone 500 tires were not worth a flip.
at 70 MPH touch the gas a little and do one of those 180 degree
bat turns when you were not expecting it.
I remember slidingsideways at 110 right in front of the Rebsman Ford dealership then it came around and I was going backward. After It came to a stop
looked over at a friend riding with me, scared the **** out of him
spooked me too. I found out the hard way that the all new for 1973 radial firestone 500 tires were not worth a flip.
Extra pair of underwear in rear storage compartment....check