Engine break in with body off

[scooter6529]

Hey All,

Been working on my CJ5 resto-mod for a while now. I pretty much have complete rolling chassis, rebuilt AMC304, NP435, and Dana 20 . My question is, I would like to run engine (break in) with the body off, so if I have issues it's easier to remedy. Has anyone done this? If so any recommendations? Also any thoughts on radiator mounting? I was just thinking about doing some type angle iron mount to frame.

Thanks

 

[Lumpy Grits]

You can cap off the water inlets on the engine and run it for 5-10 minutes.
Best way to break in any engine is to drive it under load.
LG

 

[mtnwhlr]

http://www.google.com/url?url=http:...ggwMAU&usg=AFQjCNGeTt5X6L56lbwfJcKq0aEIp7ZBFw
You need to put it under a load to break in the rings.

 

[Torxhead]

I have had a couple of V8 boat engines rebuilt and was advised by the builder to let the engine run at a moderate steady rpm for about 30 min. This is while it was on a trailer and a water hose feeding the water pump. This seemed to work O.K. for me.

 

[scooter6529]

Thanks for all the replies, worked on getting the radiator mounted to frame last night. What a chore trying to figure things out, when the whole jeep came in boxes and boxes of parts. Fan had a spacer on it and would hit the radiator, finally determined that I don't need the spacer. Now the radiator hits the new power steering lines I put on, will have to shorten up and re-flare the line so hopefully I can get radiator mounted.

I was also wondering if I'd be further ahead just mounting and bracing the grille with the radiator in it, rather than making temporary mounts for the radiator.

I've been out of the loop for awhile now, we built a house, this time last year. Pretty much all my time has been on that, so unfortunately the CJ took the back burner.

Time to get back to it! I'd like to hear the engine run before winter. That's my goal anyway.

Anymore tips or tricks or ideas, keep em' coming, thanks.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Have an electric fan blow'n air into the radiator to aid in cooling.
LG

 

[scooter6529]

Excellent idea, kinda on the lines of what they do with vehicles on a dyno. I'll keep y'all posted on the progress.

 

[mstar]

Is this a new engine with new camshaft. If so I would follow cam manuf. recommendation to the letter for proper camshaft break in .You can run under load after you get the jeep together and drivable. good luck on the fire up.

 

[scooter6529]

It's been awhile since I assembled the engine, yes it has a new cam. I'll have to find the info sheet for the cam and see the recommendations from Edelbrock. I do have Amsoil break in oil in it. After I get engine broken in I'm going to run Amsoil Z-Rod, high zinc synthetic oil to protect flat tappet cams.

Thanks fellas for good points, keep the ideas coming.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I recommend the use of Wix oil filters. They are OEM.
LG

 

[scooter6529]

Been so long, I don't remember what I have on it. I'm thinking it's a Napa Gold. What are your thoughts on them comparing them to Wix.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That is Wix.
LG