L72 prime time and cam break in

[Bill S.]

tonights the night to light off the L72 i have a couple on questions. how long should i oil prime? what should be the cold set on valve lash? and on cam break in for 20 min, if the temp starts to rise what is the max i can let it go to before shutting down? i will be using an electronic meter that i have tested for accuracy and it is my understanding to monitor temp at the thermostadt housing. should i remove the thermostadt when filling the first time? any answers to these questions would be apriciated, bill

[Albert P.]

Re: L72 prime time and cam break in

Run the oil pump until pressure registers on your oil gauge; I set my lifters with an additional .002"; the housing is the best place to read temp; the temp should stay around the thermostat rating; make sure you have a mixture of anti-freeze in the radiator and not just water, the boiling point will be raised.

[John H.]

Re: L72 prime time and cam break in

I fill the cooling system through the thermostat opening first until the level rises to that point, install the thermostat and housing/hose, and top it off through the radiator (or expansion tank on a SB); I also use a big box fan in front of the radiator for added cooling. You don't want to have to shut it down due to overheating during cam break-in.

Have a helper, a fire extinguisher, and hand tools nearby to deal with any leaks or adjustments. Your job is to keep it running, and the helper's job is to deal with anything else.

[Bill S.]

Re:how i wish i saw this in time!

i debated with my helpers over this they thought i was being an anal corvette owner but i have 20k in this engine restoration.