As you install one of our replacement engines, please use this checklist:

1. Do you have the free workshop manual we shipped with the engine?
2. Did you fully charge the battery?
3. What is the oil pressure during pre-lube?
4. Is the engine oil level full with the correct weight oil and the new filter we shipped?
5. Recently oil companies have changed the formulation of their oils and removed zinc. As a result it is important when installing a gas or propane OHV engine with a flat tappet cam such as a Chrysler HB225 or a  LH318 engine, a Perkins Gas 4236,  or  a Ford 460 Industrial, to add a container of zinc additive purchased at your local parts store to the break-in oil.   As discussed in Shop Kink #13, Break-In Oil: Not Synthetic use conventional  mineral oil not synthetic oil for your break-in period. Then change to synthetic oil and follow our recommendations in Shop Kink #36, How Often Should I Change My Lube Oils
6. Is the entire set of vacuum hoses correctly connected? Hook up vacuum gauge.
7. What is the initial ignition timing?
8. Is there fuel in the tank? A new fuel filter?
9. Was the coolant changed?
10. Was the radiator checked, replaced or repaired?
11. Is there a fire extinguisher handy and fully charged?
12. Are all of the accessory drives and belts free of any interference?
13. Is the exhaust system in place and completely bolted together, so you can hear any possible engine noises?

Check after starting the engine:

1. What is the RPM and cold oil pressure? Avoid idling the engine.
2. Is the engine valve train noisy? Some engines take a few minutes to quiet down. Are the valves and the tappets adjusted?
3. What is the vacuum and engine RPM?
4. What is the RPM and ignition timing at now?
5. Are there any fuel, coolant or oil leaks?
6. Check coolant temperatures and oil pressure frequently.
7. Is the charging system working?
8. Did the coolant level drop? Fill with the correct 50/50 coolant mixture.
9. Do you have glowing exhaust manifolds? Advancing the ignition timing should cool off the exhaust gas temperature. Check for vacuum leaks.
10. 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.
11. What is the total mechanical ignition timing with the vacuum advance unhooked? If not within specifications, repair before driving vehicle.
12. Does the vacuum advance (if equipped) function properly and is it connected to the correct port? Improper ignition advance causes drivability and engine problems.
13. Have your retorqued the head bolts and adjusted the valves?
14. Within the first three hours of operation, again change the oil and oil filter and retorque the head.

Copyright 2001