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engine break-in


thunderbirdcoupe89
12-05-2009, 09:39 PM
I rebuilt my 3.8. what's the best way to break it in? stock roller cam and such...

97Bird
12-08-2009, 05:30 PM
Take it out on the highway and vary the speed. Every once in a while "boot" it from 50 to 70. Keep an eye on the temp gauge to be sure it doesn't overheat from being tight. If you haven't started the engine yet, pre-prime the engine by removing the distributor and spinning the oil pump shaft with a drill until you have oil pressure. Once it's started, run it around 1500 rpm for a minute or two and then hit the throttle to bring it up to about 3000 rpm and then back to 1500rpm. Do this 5 or 6 times over a few minutes then shut it off and let it cool down. Check for leaks and do it again a couple of times. When you're sure it running well, take it out on the highway and run it. Be sure to keep an eye on the temp gauge for at least the first hour that this engine is running!

thunderbirdcoupe89
12-10-2009, 01:22 AM
thanks. that's what I did, and after I figured out that the timing was way retarded, it runs pretty good. I must have a vacuum leak, because now I'm getting 'bank too lean' on both sides... lol

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