Always have a fire extinguisher ready when starting the engine for the first time.
1. After installing the engine on the vehicle, carefully check the oil and coolant levels.
2. With the spark plugs removed and the ignition system turned off (see Section Checking the compression ratio) crank the engine over with the starter until the oil pressure gauge indicates normal pressure or until the oil pressure warning lamp goes out.
3. Install the spark plugs, connect the high voltage wires and connect the ignition system (see Section Checking the compression ratio).
4. Start the engine. It may take a few seconds for the fuel system to build up pressure, but the engine should start without much effort.
If backfires appear in the throttle body or carburetor, check the timing of the valve timing (correct timing chain/belt installation), ignition order (the procedure for connecting high-voltage wires to spark plugs) and timing of ignition.
5. After starting, the engine should warm up to normal operating temperature. During warm-up, watch closely for fuel, oil, and coolant leaks.
6. Stop the engine and check the engine oil and coolant levels.
7. On a road with a light engine at full throttle, accelerate the vehicle from 55 km/h to 90 km/h, then fully close the throttle and allow the vehicle to slow down to 55 km/h with closed throttle. Repeat the procedure 10 to 12 times. This will stress the piston rings and allow them to properly seat against the cylinder walls. Check the oil and coolant levels again.
8. Drive carefully for the first 900 km (without high speed for a long time) and check the oil level regularly. Typically, the engine during the break-in period has increased oil consumption.
9. After approximately 900-1100 km, change the oil and filter.
10. During the next 900 km, operate the car in the usual way - do not take care of it, but do not overload it either.
11. After 3600 km, change the oil and filter again. Now the engine can be considered completely run-in.