Attention! When starting the engine for the first time after the completion of its refurbishment, it is imperative to have a class B fire extinguisher at hand!
1. After installing the power unit on the car, check the levels of engine oil and coolant in it.
2. With the candles turned out and the ignition and power systems temporarily turned off (see Section Checking the compression pressure in the cylinders), crank the engine by raising the oil pressure in it so that the corresponding warning lamp on the vehicle instrument panel goes off.
3. Screw in the spark plugs, connect the BB wires and restore the functioning of the ignition and power systems (see Section Checking the compression pressure in the cylinders).
4. Start the engine. There may be a slight delay in starting to allow the fuel pressure to build up, but this shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Note. If sparks occur in the throttle body, check that the valve clearances and ignition timing are properly adjusted.
5. After starting, warm up the engine to normal operating temperature, while warming up, check it for signs of oil, coolant and ATF leaks. Let the engine idle for 15 minutes, which is especially important after replacing the connecting rod bearings.
6. Shut off the engine, and recheck the oil and coolant levels in it.
7. Now you can start sea trials and engine break-in. Take the car to an area where the traffic intensity is minimal and quickly accelerate it to a speed of 50 ÷ 80 km/h (30 ÷ 50 mph). Then slow down to 50 km/h by fully closing the throttle. Repeat the procedure 10 ÷ 12 times - the resulting cyclic loads will help shrink the piston rings in relation to the cylinder walls. Recheck the engine for leaks.
8. First 800 km (500 miles) mileage, try to operate the engine in a gentle mode, regularly and often checking the engine oil level. Increased oil consumption during engine break-in is normal.
9. Approximately after 800÷1,000 km (500÷600 miles) mileage, change the engine oil and oil filter.
10. The car can be operated normally for the next few hundred kilometers.
11. After 3200 km (2000 miles) change the engine oil and oil filter again. Now the engine can be considered run-in completely.