Hi just rebuilt my dads 1600 xflow engine and fitted new everything including pistons. Its running lovely now.
Have not taken it over 3000rpm yet and completed nearly 500 miles, any hints or tips would be greatfully appreciated.

Get your popcorn out....

This is how I ran my pinto in...

Fill with basic mineral oil i.e. the stuff for classic cars as this isn't very slippery.

20 mins @ 2000 RPM to run in new cam.

Then limit RPM to 1000 RPM short of redline. Use all available rev range and max throttle opening as much as possible. I.E. don't let it coast at constant RPM slow down and then floor it back to the speed you want. Do this for 150 miles. This will bed in the rings properly.

Change oil for semi-synthetic. Stick to 1000 RPM below redline until 500 miles reached.

Change oil for full synthetic. Thrash the poo out of it

make sure you check the head is correctly torqued now you've done 500 miles, as the gasket will compress and likely need tightening. If it does need tightening the tappets will need adjusting again.

I'd just try and take it easy for a little longer if I was you, although I am physically incapable of following that advice myself

I found short trips, variable speeds and gradually increasing the revs works fine.

Once thats over ring its fu!king neck down the local bypass to double check then smile....

If you fancy a long read, there are plenty more opinions here:

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=21675

The days of low rpm to run in bearings are long gone , the priority should be ensuring the piston rings bed in to the bores properly.

Avoiding excess load on the pistons caused by letting it labour at low rpm , let the engine spin freely -- keep the engine spinning -- while not using excessive revs.
During initial running in a short burst of higher rpm followed by lifting off helps get oil up the bores to lubricate the rings and reduce piston temperature.

[Edited on 12/6/08 by britishtrident]

What's The Best Way To Break-In A New Engine ??l

The Short Answer: Run it Hard !

quote:

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Originally posted by 02GF74
What's The Best Way To Break-In A New Engine ??l

The Short Answer: Run it Hard !

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Agree run it hard and use running in oil. Even the cheap oils are too good now to use.

Sounds good lots of hints and tips.
Many thanks.