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12-04-2022, 06:51 PM | #1 |
Junior Member
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Rebuilt Engine Oil in Cylinder
I have a 1929 Ford Model A engine that was built by Ron Kelly. After putting about 25 miles on the engine (plus a lot of idling) I pulled the plugs and #4 cylinder plug was coated in oil. Unfortunately, Mr. Kelly is deceased so I'm uncertain as to whether putting more miles on the engine will eventually seat the rings or am I going to have to replace the rings. Any input is appreciated.
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12-04-2022, 07:26 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: May 2017
Location: Denver Area
Posts: 433
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Re: Rebuilt Engine Oil in Cylinder
The first step is a compression test. If the rings are broken, you should see it in the test. Model A engines have a loonnnnngg break in period. My rebuilt engine took like two thousand miles to get up near full compression. I now have another thousand and the compression is 100 across the board (high compression head). When I first checked, it was running in the 82-87 range across the 4 cylinders.
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12-04-2022, 08:15 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: PASADENA, CA
Posts: 1,885
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Re: Rebuilt Engine Oil in Cylinder
The worst thing you can do to a new engine is "a lot of idling".
The rings are not yet seated and just idling the engine will prolong the process. Running the engine at a higher speed will also help insure all the internal components are getting well lubricated. The cam and lifters depend on the splash from the rods for lubrication so if you must run the engine without actually driving the car is to set the idle up so it "idles" at a minimum of 800 rpm or so. If possible, drive the car and get some miles on it. The rings should seat in and everything should be fine. My opinion, Chris W. |
12-04-2022, 08:36 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Chillicothe, Missouri
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Re: Rebuilt Engine Oil in Cylinder
Most likely what you’re seeing is oil being pulled up past the rings because of the extensive idling. The vacuum is highest with an engine idling. If the rings are not completely seated which they most likely are not yet you may see some oiling on the spark plugs.
I doubt you have any serious problems. Make it a point to warm up the engine a few minutes then drive it for 25 miles or so at various speeds and loads. Try to put 500 miles on it like this and watch the oil level closely. The oil consumption should only get better meaning less as you put more miles on it and the ring seat. A leak down test will tell you exactly the condition of the engine but I don’t think it’s necessary. I think you need to just drive it and don’t do any more unnecessary idling.
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"If I asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses." -Henry Ford "Primitive technology is not a design flaw" 1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup 1930 Gordon Smith Air Compressor 1941 Willy's Pickup 1960 Thunderbird-For Sale 1964 Buick Riviera 2x4 425 1965 Pontiac GTO, 455 Super Duty 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10, V-10 Viper 1977 Charger Jet Boat,460 Ford,Jacuzzi Jet Front Engine Nostalgia Dragster,Supercharged 296 "Fullrace Flathead" Ford Engine Build up on DVD ask Last edited by Fullraceflathead; 12-04-2022 at 08:48 PM. |
12-04-2022, 10:04 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 130
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Re: Rebuilt Engine Oil in Cylinder
I think flathead has it right. Just get out and drive it. Normal secondary roads. No sustained high speed. I would not be concerned until I had 1000 miles.
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12-05-2022, 09:54 AM | #6 |
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Re: Rebuilt Engine Oil in Cylinder
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12-05-2022, 10:36 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Waxahachie, Texas
Posts: 950
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Re: Rebuilt Engine Oil in Cylinder
There are a lot of viewpoints on engine break-in that have been passed down over the years, but I tend to go with what trusted engine builders say. I was once told "drive it like you normally would, just not a lot of idling or lugging". I would check with other Model A engine builders to see what they recommend, but as others have stated above - drive it normally and the rings will seat in and all will be well. As was also previously mentioned, a compression check and leak-down test would certainly be in order before making any further assumptions.
*Disclaimer...if you are using 100% synthetic oil, you can just about double the normal break-in mileage/time before the rings begin to seat properly. This is a fact with Amsoil and perhaps some others synthetic oils. |
12-06-2022, 12:00 PM | #8 | |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern Tennessee
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Re: Rebuilt Engine Oil in Cylinder
Quote:
BTW, seeing this is your first post on Fordbarn, ...Welcome. |
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12-06-2022, 12:09 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Visalia
Posts: 26
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Re: Rebuilt Engine Oil in Cylinder
I would agree with the other builders who posted, take it out and drive it! I tell all my customers " don't be too rough with a new engine but don't be too kind either. And definitely don't let it idle for long periods of time"
Clean or replace the fouled plug (s) first of course. |
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