I'll be watching the OBD water temp like a hawk. From what I've read the 20-30 minutes doesn't necessarily have to be contiguous. The idea is that for the first half hour of running the engine shouldn't be idling. So I could shut it down to continue bleeding the coolant system.

 

How much more trouble would it have been to just remove the engine and do it all on a stand?

 

Probably not that much more work however this was easier to do without an extra set of hands. I've pulled engines solo before and it really sucks.

 

that 20-30 minutes is essential to cam break-in

 

I've been following this thread from the beginning. Very informative and thorough. The forum thanks you.

I'm getting ready to tackle my HG's in the upcoming weeks (parts are be sourced and shipped as I type). After reading your thread I feel confident to perform a solid top end rebuild.

Keep an eye on your pm inbox the next month or so, I may have "some" questions for you.

Good luck with the start up procedure. Keep the updates coming.

 

Forgot to snap a pic today, but its all together save a few pieces. All thats left to do is install one PCV hose, 80mm idler pulley, water pump pulley/fan and radiator shroud. From there I'll filler up with coolant and oil, install the oil pressure gauge and fire her up!

Depending on how work is this week I might be able to get it done by friday. If not, it'll definitely be fired up on Sunday.

ALMOST THERE!

 

Very cool. Keep us posted

 

So how's it going with that? Waiting for an update.

 

ALL DONE! She runs great!

Summary of events:

Finished buttoning everything up, filled oil, installed oil pressure gauge, filled coolant, plugged in ultragauge. Removed fuel pump relay and coil pack fuse. Cranked engine for 20 seconds. Reinstalled relay and fuse, and installed spark plugs. Engine cranked up perfectly 1st shot and built oil pressure immediately. Used my redneck cruise control (below) to hold the RPMs at 2250 for 25 minutes straight. Temps held great, the highest they got were 198 right at the 25 minute mark of cam breakin.

 

So you ran it for the cam break in...

Have you changed your oil again yet?

Changing the oil is the one step many people leave out only to find the lower end to fail months after major overhaul.

Also...take the filter off and cut it in half and check the contents.