As you install one of our replacement engines, please use this checklist:
- Do you have the free workshop manual we shipped with the engine?
- Did you fully charge the battery?
- What is the oil pressure during pre-lube?
- Is the engine oil level full with the correct weight oil and the new filter we shipped?
- Is the entire set of vacuum hoses correctly connected? Hook up vacuum gauge.
- What is the initial ignition timing?
- Is there fuel in the tank? A new fuel filter?
- Was the coolant changed?
- Was the radiator checked, replaced or repaired?
- Is there a fire extinguisher handy and fully charged?
- Are all of the accessory drives and belts free of any interference?
- Is the exhaust system in place and completely bolted together, so you can hear any possible engine noises?
Check after starting the engine:
- What is the RPM and cold oil pressure? Avoid idling the engine.
- Is the engine valve train noisy? Some engines take a few minutes to quiet down. Are the valves and the tappets adjusted?
- What is the vacuum and engine RPM?
- What is the RPM and ignition timing at now?
- Are there any fuel, coolant or oil leaks?
- Check coolant temperatures and oil pressure frequently.
- Is the charging system working?
- Did the coolant level drop? Fill with the correct 50/50 coolant mixture.
- Do you have glowing exhaust manifolds? Advancing the ignition timing should cool off the exhaust gas temperature. Check for vacuum leaks.
- What is the RPM and hot oil pressure after running for a total time of 30 minutes? Break ˜in could be done in 10-minute segments at a time, to total 30 minutes. This allows the camshaft and flat lifters to break-in.
- What is the total mechanical ignition timing with the vacuum advance unhooked? If not within specifications, repair before driving vehicle.
- Does the vacuum advance (if equipped) function properly and is it connected to the correct port? Improper ignition advance causes drivability and engine problems.
- Have your retorqued the head bolts and adjusted the valves?
- Within the first three hours of operation, again change the oil and oil filter and retorque the head.
Copyright 2001