Precautions w/Very low mileage motor?

Gotalbots · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 01:26 AM

I'm considering buying a preowned Cobra with very low mileage on a FMS 392 stoker, a 2002 vehicle with < 150 miles. It's been in temp controlled storage and very well cared for. What are the major things I should look for relative to the low miles? Are there any particular tests or checks that should be done to identify issues due to the low miles? Are there actions that I should take as precautions with this motor such as fluid change, break-in period, torque bolts after so many miles, etc or am I being paranoid?

Thanks!!

tpiini · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 06:03 AM

99.99% of successful engine break-in is done within the first half hour of its running. You shouldn't have any issues if all was done well from the start.

As far as fluids & torques, I think it's a good idea to do an any new-to-you car.

Cobra20646 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 02:11 PM

From your post, it appears that the engine probably hasn't been run for a number of years. So DON'T start it. Any oil that was left around the moving parts has probably dried leaving everything ready for desaster. Beside changing the oil, filter and coolant, take out the plugs, squirt some oil in each cylinder and try to turn over the engine with a wrench on the crank damper nut. Turn it over at least twice. Then pull the dizzy and use a reverse rotation drill motor along with a hex shaft and spin the oil pump to prime the engine. If all goes OK, you can probably try starting it. That's providing the carb isn't gummed up, and, and, and

Excaliber · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 06:08 PM

Good advice Jim. In other words, treat it just like you would a newly re-built motor being fired for the first time! Priming the oil pump with a drill is a really really good idea!

My main concern would have to do with camshaft lobes and lifters, which will be "dry" by now. 100% correct if in the first 30 minutes the cam (motor in general) was broke in correctly even that should be good to go.

On a new motor break in you would hold that rpm up around 1800 or so to get good "splash" and "oiling" on the valve train parts. First drive, follow the same rules as with a new engine, vary your rpm and briefyl "LOAD" the rings by going full throttle for a second or two or so. This will force the rings to "move around" on the piston and "seat" against the cylinder walls. Those rings might be a little "stuck" from sitting, so "hammer them" and wake them up!

Likewise, DECELLERATE and that will "load" the rings in the opposite position, help them "free up" and assure a good fit on the BOTTOM part of the ring to the cylinder wall. After your new 30 minutes of "break in" it's either good or it aint! Time will tell.