Got the new longblock runing. Now what...

[krisnowicki]

So I got her running put a new carb on. I ran the engine at between 12-2000 rpms 30 mins. Here is what I got. I couldn't run it anymore because it was getting late and she is no quiet lady.

I have great oil pressure but nothing is showing up on the dipstick. I know the pick up and dipstick are in the right place. I have 5 and half qts of oil in and only a 5 qt pan. Do new engines need more then 5 because there was no oil in the engine to start ? I am think that I used grease on the dipstick to put it in and the grease may be clogging it up not allowing oil to get in so maybe I will try blowing air in it to clear it out.

The engine ran and sounded fantastic. she never got hotter then I could touch with a bare hand any where at any time. I did let it idle for the last min to check the timing ( but my light broke so I couldn't get a number) and to check the mixture ( it was spot on).
Should I drain the oil now or keep it for the first 10 hours then drain?
Is there anything else I need to do running wise before she goes in and I start the break in period via the merc manual?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Got the new longblock runing. Now what...

Wrong dipstick or dipstick tube for the new engine. Think about it. If the tube is too long (or the dipstick too short), it can't reach the level of the oil in the oil pan. You may also not have the tube pushed in all the way. Different oil pan than on the other engine? The shape of that pan also affects where the oil level sits. Did you have the bow of the boat high or low when making the oil level checks? That too moves the oil to the back of the pan or to the front. ALWAYS check oil level on the water, at the dock for the most accurate reading.

 

[TowRoper]

Re: Got the new longblock runing. Now what...

if there was grease in the dip stick tube wouldn't have gotten warm enough to melt out of the tube even if it was plugged?

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Got the new longblock runing. Now what...

the oil pan is the same the oil pump and pick up were the same also... all fit well. I did the putty trick to tell what the clearance on the pump was The long block is the exact same casting number as the old engine. so the same dip stick would make sense right? The dipstick goes to the end but not past the end of the tube that is right, right?

 

[swampy2646]

Re: Got the new longblock runing. Now what...

are you wiping the stick with your finger? sometimes new oil is hard to see on the stick.

 

[John_S]

Re: Got the new longblock runing. Now what...

So I got her running put a new carb on. I ran the engine at between 12-2000 rpms 30 mins. Here is what I got. I couldn't run it anymore because it was getting late and she is no quiet lady.

Roller or flat hyd cam? If the latter, check the recommended break-in, but think it is 2-3K rpms for the 1st 1/2 hour so you don't ruin the lobes.

Oil should be good for the 1st 10 hours, but if the tube got bent and/or not at the bottom, you will have to drain from oil pan instead of sucking through dipstick. Maybe install one of those newer flex hoses to drain out thru bilge drain.

 

[John_S]

Re: Got the new longblock runing. Now what...

PS: What carb did you end up choosing? For that matter, don't remember what intake was finally choosen either, cast-iron highrise?

 

[Apollo75]

Re: Got the new longblock runing. Now what...

I have great oil pressure but nothing is showing up on the dipstick. I know the pick up and dipstick are in the right place. I have 5 and half qts of oil in and only a 5 qt pan. Do new engines need more then 5 because there was no oil in the engine to start ? I am think that I used grease on the dipstick to put it in and the grease may be clogging it up not allowing oil to get in so maybe I will try blowing air in it to clear it out.

[/B]

If the engine specification calls for 5-quarts with a new filter install 5-quarts. When you put the engine back in the boat it does not matter where the oil is on the stick --- get a file and cut a grove and remark the dip stick so you know it is right. Mine always shows a little over the full mark with the correct amount of oil, my engine just sits at a low angle in the rear and the 302 oil pan has two sump areas. I never get all the oil out on a change --- I am going to install a hose on the pan drain plug and run it out the transom hole and then jack / raise the trailer up next season so I get more of the old oil out.

Good job with that engine


OFM

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Got the new longblock runing. Now what...

PS: What carb did you end up choosing? For that matter, don't remember what intake was finally choosen either, cast-iron highrise?

Cast iron high rise intake. I went to the carbshop both national carb and all american carb are in jacksonville so I am really lucky about that. The guy at all american went over my carb ( the old q jet) and talked me into getting a new q jet showed me some tricks and traps about them. he actually gave me a set of squiters to replace my old ones. But, I wanted a new carb

because I have put a lot of time and money in this engine so with the new engine, manifolds, fuel pump, oil pump, water pump fuel lines etc I figured it was worth the extra 150 ( yes I got a steal on it).
The engine is a flat tappet and has one hour one it at ( 30 more mins today) mostly at 1500-2500 about 5 mins at idle to check the idle circuit and timing ( 8 deg btdc).

So now I am going to put it in the boat it has been on blocks this whole time. This week once I put it in will do what I posted below. But, my carb mix may be off... should I adjust now? or at hour 10.1?

I will do this per the manual. periods
of time for first 10 hours. Shift into gear as
soon as possible after starting and advance
throttle above 1500 RPM if conditions permit safe
operation.
? Do not operate at one speed consistently for extended
periods.
? Do not exceed 3/4 throttle during first 10 hours.
During next 10 hours, occasional operation at full
throttle is permissible (5 minutes at a time maximum).
? Avoid full throttle acceleration from idle speed.
? Do not operate at full throttle until engine reaches
normal operating temperature.
? Frequently check crankcase oil level. Add oil if
needed. It is normal for oil consumption to be high
during break-in period.
? After 20-hour break-in period, drain crankcase oil
and replace oil filter (see ?Maintenance?). Fill
crankcase with correct oil (see ?Specifications?).

 

[krisnowicki]

Re: Got the new longblock runing. Now what...

ps the dipstick problem. It was a grease and it is clear now so it the oil... Thanks guys