Running in a newly rebuilt Electra top end

Hi Philip. It seems you have done everything perfectly andI can understand that you don't want to spoil things. I would just ride it very gently without excessive revs or loading the engine too much by riding up hills. I would probably change the oil at about 100 miles and again at 500, you don't need high quality oil at this point in time, but depending on what grade you are choosing you might have to pay the normal amount for it, butIwould use a certified supermarket oil personally at this stage, but that is my choice as I have my own views on oils..

The greatest problem in running in is keeping the piston temperature down and avoiding any form of seizure. You would be wise to check the plugs to guard against a weak mixture, some people will raise the needle a notch, because you will mostly be on the needle range when running in and an engine can be jetted slightly lean for economy at this lowish rev range and run slightly hotter for it.

I would not bother to change the filter untill the normal mileage as you will be wasting money. You have to remember a filter progressively improves it's filtration as it gets used, not the other way round. Eventually the increasing filter power will lead to a higher restriction and at this point the filter's life will be over but oil filters normally have a safety valve built in to prevent oil starvation.

I like to paint a white line on the throttle grip so you can glance down at it and judge that you are not applying to much gas. Further markscan be added as the miles increase . Sometimes a head wind or slight gradient can cause you to add more throttle than you realise and you will be pushing it much harder than is safe. A quick throttle shut off is always advisable every so often to pull up some oil to lubricate the bore a little more.

Build up the speed, acceleration, and power over a distance of up to a thousand miles, but in the early stages, a few stops to allow the engine to cool downfor a while is worth doing.

Also check head tightness and tappets after a hundred miles or so and other nuts and bolts for security. Check again at 500.

Hope some of these suggestionswill help in the running in.

Les

Previously wrote:

Could someone please advise me on running in my rebuilt Electra. The barrels have been rebored with new pistons and rings. The head has had the seats recut with new valves, guides and springs. I changed the oil after flushing out the oil tank and cleaning the filter and the sump filter. Although the fuel tank interior is in good condition, I've fitted an inline filter just in case. I've turned over the engine by hand , with the plugs out, until oil dripped from the return pipe inside the oil tank. I turned on the fuel, tickled the carbs and it started 2nd kick. I let the bike run for about two minutes, oil was flowing from the return and all seemed fine. I'm just not sure of how I should proceed with the runing in procedure. Any advice would be gratefully received. Many thanks, Phil

I agree with 'leslie,peter_howard' with one exception - tighten down the heads at 50 miles, then at 500.

Remember to check the rocker clearances after tightening down the head.

I would use only half the oil at first, and change it for the full amount at 50 miles - unless you are in a hot climate.

(In the UK, with gentle use over the first few miles, the oil is not going to achieve working temperature if the tank is full).

Change the oil while its hot, tighten the head & check the tappets once cooled down.