Advice for Engine Break In, 72 VW Bus

[Mpec2]

Hey guys,

Going to be doing my first start in the next few days for a top-down rebuild of a 1972 VW Bus Type 4 Engine.

Crank and case is original, otherwise new cam (Scat C25), New P/C kit, New Heads.

I've read up on the procedure, but just hoping to gather any additional advice for the process to make sure everything is squared away.

The camshaft and lifters are covered in the break-in grease provided by Scat. Planning on running Lucas Break in Oil for the duration of the break in run.

My current plan is to leave the pushrods, spark plugs, and oil filter off and to crank the engine until oil sprays out of the oil filter bracket. Then i'll reinstall the filter (filled with oil) and crank until the oil pressure light goes off. (simultaneously i'm hoping the float bowls will as i crank the engine). Then, i will install the pushrods and spark plugs and do the official first start.

I'm running dual weber 34 ICT's. I'm hoping that turning the idle screws in an extra full turn will result in about 2-2.5k rpm's at start up. I can change that once the engine is started to increase/decrease accordingly. Does that seem appropriate? How concerned should i be with the RPM's going absolutely straight to 2-3k rpms?

Any advice would be appreciated. The pre first-start butterflies are getting real.
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1972 Westfalia

[airschooled]

Don’t overthink it.

If you’re pulling pushrods, just fill the oil filter and crank until you see the light go out. I don’t pull pushrods, just spark plugs.

Pre-fill the bowls. It’s important to KNOW your fuel system is ready. Hope doesn’t build engines.

I stay above 2,000, maybe creeping to 2,500, and I’ll play with the throttle between 2k-3k for the last ten minutes. Don’t be afraid to shut it down for leaks, if one manifold doesn’t get warm, or if you sense something is wrong.

Enjoy the smell, there’s nothing like it.
Robbie
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