02 Subaru Outback with 144k (0) miles. Just installed a rebuilt engine and am wondering how I should go about the initial break in. From what I’ve read they say to keep the engine at 1500-2000 rpm for the first 20 min and check for leaks during that time. Then drive it around for about 15-20 minutes and accelerate from 30mph to 50mph then engine break back down and do that about ten times. I’ve gone through the first start up about 5 min through but stopped due to the valves being incorrectly adjusted and knocking. Should I continue with the first start up after adjusting the valves? What do I do next? The instructions I have are very generic and I want to get some more advice so I don’t mess this up.
Update: was overheating because of the thermostat. Apparently Subaru has a specially designed thermostat that looks completely different compared to the aftermarket ones at autozone. Went to Subaru and got their brand and it finally opened. And no longer overheats. Also it ended up taking 7 quarts of coolant in the engine. I was just being an idiot and telling myself 7L=10q
Who rebuilt the engine and what instructions came with it?
I had a machine shop rebuild it. They didn’t give any instructions
Ask the machine shop if you need to re-torque the cylinder heads, adjust the valves and change the oil and filter after around 600 miles. What kind of warranty did you get on the engine?
They did say I would have to re-torque the heads and adjust the valves. Warranty is 1 year. The valve lash was a big as it would go. Now it’s better. I am thinking now that I’ve hit 30 miles it’s no longer necessary to worry about the initial break in. My plan now is to change the oil and continue with the oem break in procedure which basically says drive like a grandma for the first 1k miles and do not exceed 3k rpm Then change the oil and continue with the maintenance schedule. One other issue to mention though. My thermostat won’t open. I’ve replaced it twice and the lower hose stays ice cold after 170 degrees. I’m thinking maybe there’s a big air bubble in the engine? Capacity is 10+ quarts and I initially only added about 6-7. Also the area above the thermostat was bone dry. I’m pretty sure coolant is flowing. The heater blows hot and is helping slow down the rising temperature.
Not surprised the valves needed readjusting. When I did the head gasket job on my '02 outback, it took several times to get them just right. The machine shop should've given you some guidance, that's just wrong.
Like I just said, burp the air out. You said your 10 quart system only took 7 quarts. The rest is air.
Have your cooling system properly burped of air.
Had a shop flush the coolant and still overheating. Any other ideas?
Are you checking the engine temp with a infrared thermometer or is it a gage? Or is it truly boiling over? Maybe something in coolant passages is blocking. Radiator/hose conditions???
