Okay so now I finally believe it is time for my engine to start for the first time. I was just wondering if you guys have any suggestions before?

Things to check?
Things you typically do to break in a new motor?
Or any experiences you had that you want to share of things you should have done etc....

 

hey flash,

Make sure you prime the motor. What kind of cam you using? hydraulic, roller, flat tappet? Double check the firing order on the cam. Use break in oil with standard 10w30. Put a magnet on your oil filter and use a magnetic plug for your oil pan. Cam shaft determines how you break it in.

 

magnetics on my oil filter and pan? Is this for like metal shavings or something like in a transmission?

my firing order is correct.

how do I prime the engine? what procedure should I use? is this where you pump oil through the engine with a drill?

thanks eZ

 

Yes to all the above. Magnets to pull any magnetic particles out of the oil and yes, you pull the distributor out, put a priming rod in and turn it with a drill. This flows the oil through the motor so you don't end up with a dry start condition or, even worse, the oil pump cavitating and not pulling any oil up.

 

You can "Borrow" the oil priming rod from AutoZone with their loan a tool program.
Make sure you have oil pressure on the gauge and pull 1 valve cover off when priming to verify oil comes out the push rods.
Make sure it is turning Counter Clock Wise to prime

 

I always prime it with both valve covers off just to make sure all the rockers are getting oiled good. Better safe then sorry

 

Okay excellent information. I would not have know all of this.

Where exactly do I put the magnets? Inside the actual pan and filter or on the outside? Because the pan and filter are already on and oil has already been put in.

 

unless you have a roller cam,you need to use oil high in zink like shell rotella 15w40 for diesels.usually you break the cam in for about 30 min between 2000 and 2500 rpm, vary your rpms a little.you need to do this to be sure the cam is getting plenty of oil while it breaks in,otherwise you might wipe lobes.

 

http://www.shopfiltermag.com/tech.php#technology
Here are the magnets that go on the outside of the filter

If you have a flat tappet hydraulic lifters be sure to pick up a container of ZDDP oil additive.

Both are are available from local parts stores

 

Is there anything you think I should check before I try to start it?? Like last minute things sometimes people overlook or something.