12v rebuild, what upgrades?

Engine finally came back from builder..covid 19 delayed everything...

Hamilton cam gear retainer
KDP
new pistons
block decked
o-ringed head
redid head job

Painted the block and head, put the head on and felt like it wasn't sitting flush, less than a 1/16th" gap on the corners (without studs in). Think it's the dowels, slid it an inch trying to push the engine block around the garage. Pretty sure I damaged the headgasket and need to buy another..and new dowels.

Whats the best way to break-in some a new engine, break in oils, or non synthetic and pull a heavy trailer uphill?
 
I used non synthetic engine oil with Lucas break in additive and primed the oil system with an old oil pump before buttoning the engine up. I changed the oil after doing my first start up where I ran it for about 30 minutes to get it up to temp. As far as break in I pulled a touch over 11,000 lbs around for a little over 200 miles of mixed speed and grades just to get the process started.
 
Block decked? How much?
Did you put the head gasket on just to paint the engine?
With a decked block you'll need to check piston protrusion to see if you'll need a oversize head gasket.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top