engine break-in

[xj4343]

Rebuiling a 9n and was wondering what engine break-in procedures have worked good for you, and what was not so good. I have everything new except cam is a reground. oils, assembly lube, start up, engine rpm

 

[Bruce (VA)]

Just before you are ready to start it, put a couple of tblspns of engine oil in each cylinder to lube the walls & help w/ compression. Then, w/ the key off, spin the starter & watch the oil pressure gauge. Once you see oil pressure, start it up. (some folks like to use a 12v jumper battery which allows the battery in the tractor to provide full current to the ignition circuit) Once you get it running, just let it idle for a few minutes while you check closely for leaks (oil, water, gas) & make sure it has good oil pressure. Then, it should be run at variable RPM. Run the engine up to around 1500 RPM and back down, put it in gear and make a few laps around the yard at various speeds. This will quickly get some heat into the oil and splash oil everywhere it needs to be inside the engine. Continue to watch for leaks, smoke or other problems.

I like to run it around at various speeds until it gets to operating temp. Then, re-torque the head bolts & change the oil & filter.
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