rebuilt 235 start up and break in procedure - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Foot Stomper · 09-11-2016, 02:11 PM

I recently purchased a project 1955 GMC and it came with a shop rebuilt 235 bored .060 over.
Any words of wisdom on storing it while the rest of the truck is restored? The motor has a drop of oil on the dip stick only. There's no coolant in it either.

So, two questions really... 1) how should I store it (indoors of course) and 2) what steps should I take when firing it up the very first time?

Jemezcrusher · 09-11-2016, 02:31 PM

Fog the cylinders. You can use a spray that is made just for this, or use some Marvels Mystery Oil or something like that. I would also spin the oil pump with a rod made to fit down in the top of the pump (dist pulled) and get it good and oiled internally. If you are keeping it indoors, I would just cover it up with a tarp, or a trash bag that is open at the bottom. No need to seal it completely off, just keep the dirt and dust at bay. Tape up any open ports (intake and exhaust, etc) and you should be fine.

When starting back up, run the oil pump again. Depending on how long it is you may want to change the oil as it does oxidize just sitting in the pan, and spin the oil pump again to get everything lubed again, then spin the engine without spark to get the oil well distributed.

Once you do fire it up, there will be quite a bit of smoke from the oiled/fogged cylinders, but will clear up pretty quickly. Run it till good and warm and you may want to change the oil again.

DELO 15/40 is pretty cheap and has the good slick em stuff in it to protect your cam

Jemezcrusher · 09-11-2016, 06:58 PM

THought I might add if all is fresh, you should buy some break in additive when you first fire it up. Zinc is in most of these and helps with wear protection

Foot Stomper · 09-11-2016, 08:42 PM

Thanks for the suggestions.

Can I fog the motor without starting it? I'm familiar with fogging to store an already running motor but don't know how to fog it without firing it. I guess I could turn it over with starter (without ignition)... is this the main idea?

Break in oil sounds like a reasonable suggestion too.

thanks guys!

Jemezcrusher · 09-12-2016, 10:18 AM

Would be handy if you could spin it by hand or with the starter after treating the cylinders so you could get all of the walls and such coated.

09-11-2016, 02:11 PM	#1
Foot Stomper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 1,252	rebuilt 235 start up and break in procedure I recently purchased a project 1955 GMC and it came with a shop rebuilt 235 bored .060 over. Any words of wisdom on storing it while the rest of the truck is restored? The motor has a drop of oil on the dip stick only. There's no coolant in it either. So, two questions really... 1) how should I store it (indoors of course) and 2) what steps should I take when firing it up the very first time? Attached Images __________________ So when is this "Old enough to know better" supposed to kick in? My 1959 GMC build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=686989

09-11-2016, 02:31 PM	#2
Jemezcrusher Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Jemez Springs, NM Posts: 435	Re: rebuilt 235 start up and break in procedure Fog the cylinders. You can use a spray that is made just for this, or use some Marvels Mystery Oil or something like that. I would also spin the oil pump with a rod made to fit down in the top of the pump (dist pulled) and get it good and oiled internally. If you are keeping it indoors, I would just cover it up with a tarp, or a trash bag that is open at the bottom. No need to seal it completely off, just keep the dirt and dust at bay. Tape up any open ports (intake and exhaust, etc) and you should be fine. When starting back up, run the oil pump again. Depending on how long it is you may want to change the oil as it does oxidize just sitting in the pan, and spin the oil pump again to get everything lubed again, then spin the engine without spark to get the oil well distributed. Once you do fire it up, there will be quite a bit of smoke from the oiled/fogged cylinders, but will clear up pretty quickly. Run it till good and warm and you may want to change the oil again. DELO 15/40 is pretty cheap and has the good slick em stuff in it to protect your cam Last edited by Jemezcrusher; 09-11-2016 at 02:33 PM. Reason: Spelling

09-11-2016, 06:58 PM	#3
Jemezcrusher Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Jemez Springs, NM Posts: 435	Re: rebuilt 235 start up and break in procedure THought I might add if all is fresh, you should buy some break in additive when you first fire it up. Zinc is in most of these and helps with wear protection

09-11-2016, 08:42 PM	#4
Foot Stomper Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 1,252	Re: rebuilt 235 start up and break in procedure Thanks for the suggestions. Can I fog the motor without starting it? I'm familiar with fogging to store an already running motor but don't know how to fog it without firing it. I guess I could turn it over with starter (without ignition)... is this the main idea? Break in oil sounds like a reasonable suggestion too. thanks guys! __________________ So when is this "Old enough to know better" supposed to kick in? My 1959 GMC build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=686989

09-12-2016, 10:18 AM	#5
Jemezcrusher Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Jemez Springs, NM Posts: 435	Re: rebuilt 235 start up and break in procedure Would be handy if you could spin it by hand or with the starter after treating the cylinders so you could get all of the walls and such coated.

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