Hopefully will be firing up the newly rebuilt 72 350 this weekend. What's the best break in procedure for the cam/lifters etc.? I have read on a few posts here to let it idle for a few minutes and then rev it to 2000 RPM fluctuating the throttle a bit. Since I have to time it it might take a few minutes to do that before I can get it up to 2000 RPM. Thanks for your help
No idling, and no need to time it, just drop Distributor in at 20+° advanced it will fire rite up if the carb is primed
Take it immediately to 1500/2000 rpm Use no heavier than 10/30 oil upon initial start up as your going to be going to 2000 rpm with cold oil.
Ok, thanks. How do I find about 20 degrees advance without it running? the distributor is loose, do just center it? Sorry I need help like I'm a second grader.... Also, new power steering pump/gear box from Hector and new fuel tank and lines.... I know I can dump some gas down the carb but how do I prime the fuel line and pwer steering pump? I don't want to be grinding/cranking on the engine waiting for fuel to get there and burn out the pump etc. Thanks
Who installed the distributor? It should fire right off if it is in correctly. Once it starts, check the timing after getting it to 2000 RPM. At that point, you can adjust the timing to 30* at that RPM and let it run like that for the break in period. How to do that depends on what kind of timing light you have, standard or dial back light?
If a Distributor is installed at 0 like most people do it will not fire, then you your dickin around with the distributor trying to get it to crank, you install the distributor at 20° or more advanced then run the plug wires from there it will kick rite off. But you would need to put a second line on the balancer 30° lower than the factory line on a big block it's 1.75in down small block I don't know I just push the grooved line up above then timing tab the drop the distributor then run the wires if the rotor is where I need it if it isn't I turn the pump to put the rotor where I need/want it That's how I do it anyways, no vac advance never have ran it myself
If it is in at 0, Then just turn the distributor counter clockwise about 3/4” and it will be advanced enough to fire. Leave the distributor just loose enough to turn by hand and set the timing to 30* after it is running at 2000 RPM. Looking at the balancer from the front of the car, make a second mark clockwise 1 3/4” from the factory mark. Line that second mark up with the 0 on the timing tab and that will have you at 30*.
Guys. Simply drop the distrib in close, mark the balancer with a paint pen so you can see it, and spin the motor over with the starter, and the timing light on it.. before you put fuel in the carb.. most lights will work regardless of if the motor is running or not. Just get it anywhere from 10 to 30 degrees advanced, and it will start. Takes just a couple revolutions, watch carefully. Once the motor starts, advance the timing to 30 degrees at cam break in speed. Once break in is done, set your timing as usual. JW
