Proper engine break-in

[Jon March]

What are the proper steps to take on a fresh rebuild? how soon on oil, what to tighten, etc?
Should valve lash be checked? head bolts torque check? other?

 

[Steve]

There is a lot of variation to what people will tell you to do to break in an engine. This is the website of a guy who has a shop not far away from me and has rebuilt a couple of heads for me. Not sure if it's absolutely right but it's comprehensive and seems to be sound advice.
http://www.lockhartmachine.ca/fresh_start_up.html

 

[Jon March]

Thanks Steve! Great seeing you guys! -
Well, the time for this startup procedure, has passed a month ago - But I was told the head bolts need to be re-torqued, and maybe valve lash checked?

Also - with my running hot issue, ive been told to do a proper timing job...but I cant find anything here on the real and correct procedure for setting the timing - Gord and Dave did it by ear/feel, but isnt there a timing-light method, with a vacuum advance re-set/check to be sure that is correct?

 

[SNOWBIRD]

Timing book say 8 * but best performance is Premium gas and set as far as possible ahead with out a ping, But we have set enough to know where it is by ear.
HEAD bolts need to be re torqued at 500 mile or a month and then reset valves as rocker has to come off to get at bolts.

 

[Jon March]

Thanks Gord! - Now those are a couple cool AMPHI "how-to" YouTube videos, that someone who knows how to do it ought to do with their phone aiming and explaining as they go!