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Engine Start up after rebuild info needed

chad

Senior Member
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Hello,

I have a 1098 motor in my 65' midget. Motor was completely rebuilt, and is just about ready to be started for the first time. I was told to remove the spark plugs and crank engine over to lube everything.

Anything else i should know or any tips like carb set up or anything?

Also what is the best type of motor oil to use in this engine? I want to give it its best shot at lasting a good long time. So i wasn't sure what is best to use for the oil, thanks,
 
Conventional (non-synthetic) oil, to allow the rings to bed. Changed frequently in the break-in period.

Having just rebuilt my first motor, my only "been there, done that" comment will be that if you honed & re-ringed, the motor *will* smoke for the first few hundred miles, as the rings 'bed in'. It will gradually fade, and go away completely. Don't let it worry you!
 
I was told to use 4 stroke motorcycle oil as it has zinc in it. There are a ton O posts about not using Modern oils (https://www.macysgarage.com/myweb6/ZDDP.htm)

run the engine and change the oil after 1/2 an hour.

Not sure how this works with a 1275 but before I started my 1500, I took out the distributor and used a drill to run up the oil pressure.
 
As John Peter stated run the motor for a while, I have read and used 20 minutes at 2000-2500 RPM--the higher than Idle RPM is supposed to splash the oil around and on the cam etc. and get everything lubed up right. Of course you may have to fine tune the iginition timing, carbs etc, since everything has been apart, you can do some fine tuning as it idles, if something sounds bad, look bad, low oil pressure etc. of course shut the thing off and determine the problem

Newer motors can run hot, since idling for that first run I set a big house fan in front of the radiator to keep things cool.
 
Valvoline VR1 20/50 has enough ZDDP.
 
Hi There Chad,

I agree with everyone here. I have had a ton of LBCs & the "ONLY" oil I have ever run (New or Otherwise) has been "20/50" weight.

Never a Problem.

Best Wishes,

Russ
 
Hey guys. On a side note I know I have a little valve and ring wear on my motor as I start it from sitting I get a little smoke from the exhaust. I know it burns oil a bit yet I dont plan on tearing into it for miles to come. I use 10w30 oil just out of habit. Do you recommend the 20/50 only then? And also, I know Lucas sells this stuff that helps worn valves / rings. Anyone used it and had any success?
 
(https://www.hotrodders.com/forum/engine-restore-does-work-71649.html)


Have a look here about engine RESTORE. I had read good things about this stuff before and have actually used it. It seemed to help, for a while anyway. Eventually, you have to make the decision on a cost/benefit scale concerning a rebuild.


How much for the engine work?
How many quarts of oil would that buy?
How much worry about running out of oil when driving?
How "GREEN" is driving a "smoker"?
 
Just had my 1098 rebuilt by an engine builder and was told to run it at 2500 RPM's for 30 minutes for breakin. Also suggested using a racing break in oil.
As stated in an earlier post, watch for over heating.
 
I once had a problem getting the oil pump primed.

You may need to prime the oil pump if no oil pressure shows when cranking the engine over on the starter. It can be primed through the openiing created when you remove the oil pressure release valve bolt, spring and stopper. Turning the engine manually by hand, backwards, helps if the pump won't take a prime after filling the cavity several times and letting it leak back into the pump.

One other comment, IMHO vary the rpm's in the 1st 20 minutes to maintain good oil pressure yet avoid polishing the cylinder walls. All under 3000 I would think.

Rebuilt mine 3000 miles ago and after a 500 mile easy break in all is fine.
 
Not yet mentioned is that the general consensus (Let's ask Hap!!!) is after you run it for the first 1/2 hour to let the cam shaft bed in and make sure all systems are good, to drive it like you stole it. If you want it to be a fast engine, run it hard at break in. ...

Also recommended, Change the oil after 500 miles, and after 1500 miles.
 
Bills suggestion is on the money, after the cam is settled and you are 100% sure that all systems are go... Let'r rip! I use the 4 cycle motorcycle oil also.
 
Ok - start the car already - we want to know
 
got good oil pressure, no spark, gonna check points, will report back, hold tight, will post some pics of my midget soon. been 7 years restoring it, very close now.
 
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