stock cam break-in

[Anonymous]

Rebuilt 250 will be fired up this weekend and I want to make sure I do things right. Assembly lube is on the cam lobes and my understanding is that the car should be started then held at 1500-2000 rpm for 15 - 20 minutes. The C-4 fluid level needs to be checked and topped off as well. Can I bring the motor down to idle for a minute so I can check the trans fluid?

Tips/recommendations appreciated. Thanks.

 

[CobraSix]

I would follow the 15-20 minute rule. If you car is in park, there shouldn't be much (if any) problems associated with low tranny fluid levels. I don't know enough about automatics though. 2 out of 3 of my cars at stick shifts, less to go wrong.

I'd wait until after the cam break in, but maybe there are other considerations since it is a rebuilt engine.

Slade

 

[MustangSix]

If the transmission was completly empty (converter and case), you know it will need at least 10 quarts, but if you come up a little short, you can still check it while the engine is at fast idle breaking in the cam.

Cam break in with the stock cam is not as bad as it is with some hotter cams. You have very gentle ramps and low spring pressures, so it's not likely that you will have any problems. It's not really the speed that's required for breaak in, it's the oil splash. On most V8's there is not enough oil draining back to properly lube a new cam at idle, so the high idle is needed to ensure there's enough oil flying around in the block. On our sixes, it's a little better, but extra splash doesn't hurt.