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Break-In Oil
- Thread starter jhorton3
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Jhorton3 - When I was rebuilding 1950s & 1960s Ford engines I would put 30W oil in the engine for the initial start. Be sure to run the engine at a steady 2000 RPM for the first 20 minutes so that the cam & lifters wear in well. After around 200 miles drain the oil and replace the oil & filter. I use 10W-40 in my 76 Midget. That is what MG recommended for the engines.
Same as Jack. Castrol 20W50. Haven't had a failure yet, and I've been at this for a long time.
And, Tony, you should actually vary the RPM between 1800~2100 or so during the initial run period, as it causes the lifters to rotate at varying speeds, allowing for a more uniform bedding in to the cam. Under no circumstances let it idle. If it overheats, shut it off, and fix the problem.
I generally will change the oil after 200~250 miles, again at 750 or so, and then finally at about 1500. New filters each time, of course.
Jeff
And, Tony, you should actually vary the RPM between 1800~2100 or so during the initial run period, as it causes the lifters to rotate at varying speeds, allowing for a more uniform bedding in to the cam. Under no circumstances let it idle. If it overheats, shut it off, and fix the problem.
I generally will change the oil after 200~250 miles, again at 750 or so, and then finally at about 1500. New filters each time, of course.
Jeff
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jhorton3
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Thanks guys. The fellow at the local parts store looked at me like I'd landed a spaceship when I asked for break-in oil. I told him what it was for and he suggested 5W-30, which didn't sound right to me. So is it down to personal preference then on whether to go with 30 weight or 20W-50?
sparkydave
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I wouldn't go with 5W-30, but since you have a real oil pressure gauge you can at least make sure it's not getting too low when hot. I run 10W-30 in my Midget which is about as thin as I can stand to go, but 20W-50 should be fine for break-in.