Is it really broken in?

[saxart]

After over a year since it showed up, we were FINALLY able to get the low-buck crate engine fired up this past weekend. We used a Lucas zinc additive in the oil and did the 2,000rpm for 20-min thing right after fire up to get the cam broke in. All seemed to go well, so I drained the oil out (no metal shavings!) and refilled with new oil/new filter/new zinc additive.

Now I need to get the rebuilt power-steering pump filled and purged. Is it really OK to let this engine idle for a bit while doing this? Don't want to wreck a perfectly good engine at this point, so thought I'd ask if it's OK to let her idle now.

Thanks!

[b454rat]

It will be fine

[YoungPup1977]

Is there something that is making you think its NOT broke in ?

[Dead Parrot]

While the Cam may be properly broken in, the Engine isn't. That usually takes a couple thousand miles or so.

Of course, the only way you are going to be able to drive it is fix the PS issue.

Unless you have problems with the fill and purge, you should be fine. I had to change my PS pump about a week after installing a new crate motor. The motor survived fine and is still going strong 100k later. BTW, a failing PS pump can sound alarmingly like an internal motor problem. I was really happy when the noise turned out to be a PS pump issue.

[saxart]

Thanks for the thoughts. I figured it would be smart to hear from some folks with experience on this. Asking dumb questions is easier (and cheaper!) than doing dumb things. LOL

[Alex V.]

A moderate amount of idling won't hurt it. I'd hold the idle up a bit after it starts to get the oil warmed - after all, the cam is splash lubed from the rods. And once you get it driveable put it under some good, momentary load (like a couple hard pulls up to 4,000 or so) in the first 500 miles or less to make sure the rings seat.