Thread: 302 Break-in

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There are alot of theories on how to do this correctly, but this seems to be the best one with modern rings, bearings, etc.

Prelube the engine. I welded a 5/16 socket into a long 1/4 inch extension. Use a strong 1/2 inch drill motor, remove the distributor, and slip the socket over the hex shaped oil pump drive. Spin it in the direction the distributor normally spins, with oil in the crankcase, filled to the normal level.

Run the drill, and you will hear it begin to slow down as it pumps the heavy oil. Do this until you see oil coming out of the rocker arm holes. What you are doing is filling all the bearings, lifters, etc., so you aren't starting a dry engine.

Now reinstall the distributor, and set timing, statically, so the engine will start quickly. Run it up to about 2000-2500 rpms and keep it there for 20-30 minutes. You may have to put a large house fan in front of the radiator to keep it cool, or shut it down and repeat the process a few times.

After this, drain the first batch of oil AND the filter, to get out all machining shavings. You are now ready to drive.

Vary the speeds for the first 10 hours, ie: run at 45mph for awhile, then at 55, then 35,then 45, etc. After 10 hours change oil and filter again, and you are set.

Hope this helps.