2.25 Break In Questions

[utahseries]

Ok, so we're in the process of breaking in my brother's 2.25, and we have some questions. How long can we expect it to smoke for? How soon should we readjust the valves? Right now it doesn't really smoke when there is load on the motor, but it smokes like crazy at high RPM?? The smoke also changes color from grey to black, so we know it's running a tad rich. Any pointers?
Thanks

[jac04]

You shouldn't expect any smoke (other than just a little at initial start-up from any assembly oil in the cylinders). If you get fuel smoke "like crazy" at high rpm, then fix the problem immediately. Running rich will only wash the cylinder walls and cause problems.

Normally, after initial start-up and first shot at adjusting the carb, you should get the engine to normal operating temperature, then shut it down and re-torque the head bolts. After that, re-set the valves.

My Turner long block came with run-in oil, which said that it was for run-in of diesel engines on the label. I assume that this oil had fairly high additive levels (like zddp) for proper run-in. Turner specified that this oil be used for the first 500 miles only.

[singingcamel]

As above , good tips . Did you forget valve seals? during rebuild.
Sounds like your rings arren't seating, did the engine sit for awhile before assembly?

[utahseries]

Nope the engine didn't sit very long, and we definitely remembered the valve seals, sounds like it might be the rings?!

[albersj51]

How much smoke? Is it like a smoke screen behind you of more of small puff?

[utahseries]

We're talking clouding up an entire intersection. It's like the army is setting up a smoke-screen.. It's terrible.

[LaneRover]

Not if a smoke screen blocks out the traffic cameras

[albersj51]

We're talking clouding up an entire intersection. It's like the army is setting up a smoke-screen.. It's terrible.

I am by no means an expert, but it sounds like bad rings with that much smoke. When you check your oil are you losing more than normal (through leaks)?

[utahseries]

haha good point Lane! And yes, it burns through 1 or 2 quarts every couple of days or so.

[albersj51]

With that much smoke, and burning that much oil, id say its your piston rings. Sorry youre having these troubles, man!

[ignotus]

I gotta ask...

Petrol or diesel?

[LaneRover]

Petrol or diesel?

Right now you could argue its both . . .