Initial start for 4.3 mercruiser ??

[gtfireftr]

So I am still a bit away from this, but I am trying to get all my ducks in order.....
Buttoning up swapping over all the accessories to my new 4.3's.... (1998 4v carbs)...
Upon initial start on the hard on muffs, how long should I run it?
I am thinking I will set initial timing after it warms up (I think).....8 degrees BTDC?
Should I then shut it down until I splash and get under load, or is it ok to run to dial it in on muffs?
These are remanned 4.3's that have never run....I would be a bit apprehensive splashing with only a few minutes running time..
Brand new carbs as well....
Also should I check total timing with it on muffs (meaning rev to appropriate rpm in order to check total timing (which I believe sets at around 2800).

Any advice is greatly appreciated....

 

[Scott Danforth]

I ran my motor 20 minutes on a pallet to set timing and break in the cam. However you have a roller cam motor. Prime the oil system, stab the dizzy, set timing, fire it up, verify no leaks, lock down timing, shut it down, then bolt it in.

You shouldn't need more than a few minutes of run time

 

[wrench 3]

You should keep it at fast idle for a couple of minutes after start up to ensure sufficient oil is slung up onto the cylinder walls.

 

[gtfireftr]

I ran my motor 20 minutes on a pallet to set timing and break in the cam. However you have a roller cam motor. Prime the oil system, stab the dizzy, set timing, fire it up, verify no leaks, lock down timing, shut it down, then bolt it in.

You shouldn't need more than a few minutes of run time

Can you elaborate as to how to run it on a pallet?
What exactly is involved?

 

[Scott Danforth]

here is a quick vid

the motor sitting on a pallet, blocked up as needed, a few screws holding the blocks to the pallet
hook up water
hook up battery
jumper ignition with a wire from battery plus to ignition wire (purple)
jumper S-terminal on battery to B+ to crank

 

[NHGuy]

It's also great noisy fun. But your main thing is to check that there are no leaks, good oil pressure, and that the choke opens and engine idles.

 

[gtfireftr]

How long is it safe to run on muffs on the hard?
I would like to verify thermostat, oil pressure, leaks, etc?

 

[Scott Danforth]

If you have adequate water and fuel, you can run it until you need the next oil change

 

[gtfireftr]

If you have adequate water and fuel, you can run it until you need the next oil change

So 30 minutes or more is ok even not under a load?

 

[Scott Danforth]

30 hours or 30 days or 30 minutes don't matter as long as you have adequate water

 

[achris]

Vortec engine? If you have the engine in the boat, do not run it at 650 idle, it'll draw water back into the engine through the exhaust system. Fire it up and run it at about 1200 to 1400 revs. Verify everything is ok, then head to the lake and set timing and idle with the boat in the water.

Chris.......

 

[gtfireftr]

Vortec engine? If you have the engine in the boat, do not run it at 650 idle, it'll draw water back into the engine through the exhaust system. Fire it up and run it at about 1200 to 1400 revs. Verify everything is ok, then head to the lake and set timing and idle with the boat in the water.

Chris.......

Yes Vortec engine... I am going to install both engines in boat in a few weeks.. (winter sucks)... anyway... no trailer so I wont be going to any lake with her... I want to square as much as I can on the hard in my driveway on the muffs to be sure when I haul to the marina that I am good to go....
That is why I asked about extended running on the muffs... I would like to dial it in prior to launching ...