7 Things To Know Before Starting A New Engine For The First Time

I can tell by the smile on your face that you just got your new engine back from the machine shop. It has taken a while to get everything you wanted, but there it is, the mill for your hot rod. Now you just need to get it in the car, and then fire it up. That sounds easy enough, but is it really that simple? To some extent, yes. But there are a few things you need to do before starting a new engine and bringing that beast to life.

Let’s face it, you have sunk a boatload of money into this engine. That means you need to make sure you don’t destroy it on your first attempt to start it. Since I like to help people, I thought it would be a good idea to offer some sage advice to those wanting to know what should be done to and for an engine before the fires are lit for the first time.

The Big Fill

When it comes to engine oil, do not cheap out and buy the inexpensive store-brand 10W-30 found in the department store. I can’t stress enough that quality break-in oil is paramount to keeping things happy when starting a new engine and after the first fire-up. But what is break-in oil? Break-in oils are — in the minds of an untold number of professionals — mandatory to the long life of a newly rebuilt or crate engine. A break-in oil is formulated to protect new camshafts, lifters, pistons, cylinders, and rotating assemblies from wear that occurs during the first start-up.

A break-in oil, like Driven Racing Oil’s BR oils, is formulated for use ONLY during break-in and offers improved protection over traditional non-detergent oils. A quality break-in oil features a refined mineral oil and Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDP). While the mineral oil helps with the break-in (especially with flat-tappet camshafts), ZDDP is an anti-wear additive that helps protect new metal components during break-in.

For best results, you should use a break-in oil like BR30 or 40 for the first 30 mins of initial engine start-up. After that timeframe, drain the oil and install a new filter. Once that is done, Driven suggests you add its GP-1 Conventional Break-In Motor Oil and run the engine for another 300 to 400 miles until the engine achieves break-in. It is also recommended you purchase enough break-in oil for two oil changes. EXAMPLE: your engine needs six quarts to fill, you need to purchase 12 quarts of break-in oil. I know this sounds like an…