Engine break in issue

[KMBeers]

I have finally started my engine after a full rebuild and the initial start went OK but I had some issues and I am looking for some help. The break in process is to start the engine, run at just above idle for 10-15 minutes, then shut off and allow to cool. Do this for 2 hours of running and then extend it to 30 minute intervals for another hour. I had a fuel leak on the fitting at the cast iron strainer at startup from an over tightened fitting (rookie mistake) which was fixed by replacing the furrell and fitting. Fuel flow was checked at the carb inlet and all seemed ok. The engine would not restart. I pulled one of the plugs and after cranking for a few 10 seconds intervals I expected the plug to be wet and it was bone dry. My assumption at this point was a carburetor issue, perhaps debris from the fuel line furrell.

I let it sit overnight and pulled the carburetor off and took a look inside. A little debris but nothing extraordinary so I cleaned everything, including all of the jets and reinstalled. Still would not start so I looked in the fuel tank and the fuel level was about 1/2 down the strainer in the tank. To be sure I added about 2 gallons to the tank and the engine started. I was trying to run at high idle for 15 minutes, except the engine shut off at about 14 minutes and would not restart. Plugs again looked dry after cranking.

The distributor was rebuilt on the engine and with the engine getting warm I am wondering if the condenser might be flakey and stops working when it gets hot. Both times the engine quit was at about the 14 minute mark. Not sure about the dry plugs so I am reaching out to the Barners to see what they think. I was also thinking of testing the height of the fuel in the bowl. Perhaps the needle and seat are hanging up allowing the car to “run away from the fuel”. Perhaps both are issues? Thanks for the help…..