3000, first start

KYCASE1 · Dec 10, 2018

Just finishing the overhaul on my 3000 ford diesel.(3 cylinder) New rings, main bearings, rod bearings and cam bearings all standard size. Also the head has been reworked with new valves and seats along new springs. It also has new injectors and a new pump. What is the best oil to use on this engine for the first start and break-in. And also what is the best way to prime the engine with oil before starting. Thanks for the help.

Bern · Dec 11, 2018

Whether or not to use break in oil is somewhat of a controversial subject in the diesel world. Currently, Cummins says no, and Deere says yes. For me, the issue is whether or not the cam and lifters are new, or if I'm reusing them. If new parts, go to a Deere store and buy their break in oil and use it as per the directions. If you're reusing the old parts, get yourself some Delo (or Rotella or Delvac) 15-40 and go.

As for prelubing, there is no way that you can spin the oil pump in that engine like you can in some automotive applications. What I do is take an external pump spun by a drill, attach the outlet of the pump to the 3/8" NPT port on the side of the block under the oil filter, and suck oil up out of a 5 gallon bucket of new oil. This fills the filter and then pressurizes the entire system before you fire off.

Or, simply spin the engine over with the fuel off until you build oil pressure. The former option is preferred, but the latter is done all the time in the field.

3000, first start

KYCASE1

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Bern

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