As some of you have seen from my other thread, I started the head gasket job a little while back and I ended up digging deeper...
I am just about done putting everything back together and I am wondering about the starting procedure with the new cam (and unprimed oil pump).
So far, I have done:
-head gaskets with ARP studs, and everything above that needed done
-injectors
-front cover with new gears and chain
-oil pump
-camshaft
-cam bearings
-lifters and push rods
-water pump (used high tack on the gasket)
-rebuilt PAS pump with ebay kit


I have break in oil and I will be ready to start it this evening or tomorrow night.
I was wondering, do I remove all the plugs and crank with fuel pump and ignition fuses removed until the oil light goes off?
Then do I start and go right away to 2500rpm or do I go to 1300rpm until coolant warms up?
Thanks for any help.
It will be a stressful moment!!!
David

 

Congrats, my only tip would be to make sure you don't use synthetic break in oil. Best of luck!

 

Did you pack the oil pump gears with vaseoline and/or assembly lube?
That's the only way you can prime it.

 

I didn't do oil pump but I did all the top end like you. I just started mine up and let it idle for 5-7min before I drove it.

 

As sixpack said, as long as you used some assembly lube and/or vasoline in the oil pump, filled the oil filter mostly full, and used cam lube on the lobes and lifters, you can just fire her right up. Mine built pressure within a second.

Start it up, let it idle for a second to make sure nothing bad is happening, then slowly bring it up to 2500 rpm over a few seconds and hold for 20-25 minutes to break in the camshaft

Ideally hook up an oil pressure gauge during this process

 

alright, I filled the oil pump with both Vaseline and assembly lube. All cam bearings and lobes received good coating of assy lube so I will see!
Might even have time to fire it up tonight!! I will pressure test the coolant system first and put the fan and shroud on and go from there!
Thanks for the help thus far! Of course, I will rig my phone to make a video, in case it all goes to crap, at least we will have something to laugh at once I stop crying

 

I would/did put thread sealant on each of the 3 plugs on the new timing cover.

 

It's not a new timing cover, I just replaced the oil pump gears... I didn't dare touching those plugs or the oil pressure switch.

 

Good luck!

 

Fun!

You won't feel sleepy or bored when you first turn that ignition key!