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Did a minor rebuild on my 3tc. just replaced gaskets resurfaced head and cleaned out parts. (timing cover, water inlet/outlet, valve cover, etc...) just wondering whether or not i should use break in oil. keep in mind i didnt clean out oil pan just drained and soaked up oil with shop towels. thanks in advance!

If you didn't change out bearings or rings then no you won't need it. Just fill it up with your regular oil and drive it like normal!

If the rockers/cam/etc were cleaned by a shop or bone dry, I would throw some ultra slick on the lobes/rockers/etc. Don't forget to prime the pump!

only had head resurfaced/cleaned by shop. how do you prime pump? its the same pump. thinking i might replace it though because oil pan had large dent and i cant tell if it damaged pump or not. doesnt look like it though.

ColMustard wrote:only had head resurfaced/cleaned by shop. how do you prime pump? its the same pump. thinking i might replace it though because oil pan had large dent and i cant tell if it damaged pump or not. doesnt look like it though.

I've found the easiest way to prime the pump (when installing an engine in chassis) is by spinning the engine over without spark or fuel or both. When we do 22R's, we usually spin the engine over before we put the carb on and with the coil wire unplugged. Get's everything wet and pressurizes the oiling system. Makes sure nothing starts metal on metal.

If you haven't, I would check the oil pump for wear and replace if needed. It really is cheap insurance for the hard work that one puts into an engine.

I've use a large flathead screwdriver shaft in a drill. Take out the dizzy and put the shaft down in until it engages the oil pump then carefully spin it for 15-20 seconds. You'll be able to tell when oil is moving because of the force required to spin it.

Nate