DETROIT DIESEL 53
Run-In Instructions 13.2.1
B. BASIC ENGINE RUN-IN
The operator should be observant at all times, so that any malfunction which may develop will be detected. Since the
engine has just been reconditioned, this run-in will be a test of the workmanship of the serviceman who performed the
overhaul. Minor difficulties should be detected and corrected so that a major problem will not develop.
After performing the preliminary steps, be sure all water valves, fuel valves, etc. are open. Also inspect the exhaust
system, being sure that it is properly connected to the engine. Always start the engine with minimum dynamometer
After the engine starts, if using a water brake type dynamometer, allow sufficient water, by means of the control loading
valves, into the dynamometer absorption unit to show a reading of approximately 5 lb-ft on the torque gage (or 10-15 HP
on a horsepower gage). This is necessary, on some units, to lubricate the absorption unit seals and to protect them from
damage.
Set the engine throttle at idle speed, check the lubricating oil pressure and check all connections to be sure there are no
leaks.
Refer to the Engine Test Report sample which establishes the sequence of events for the test and run- in, and to the
Basic Run-In Horsepower Schedule which indicates the speed (rpm), length of time and the brake horsepower required
for each phase of the test. Also, refer to the Operating Conditions in Section 13.2 which presents the engine operating
characteristics. These characteristics will be a guide for tracing faulty operation or lack of power.
Engine governors in most cases must be reset at the maximum full-load speed designated for the run-in. If a governor is
encountered which cannot be adjusted to this speed, a stock governor should be installed for the run-in.
After checking the engine performance at idle speed and being certain the engine and dynamometer are operating
properly, increase the engine speed to half speed and apply the load indicated on the Basic Run-In Horsepower
Schedule.
The engine should be run at this speed and load for 10 minutes to allow sufficient time for the coolant temperature to
reach the normal operating range. Record length of time, speed, brake horsepower, coolant temperature and lubricating
oil pressure on the Engine Test Report.
Run the engine at each speed and rating for the length of time indicated in the Basic Run-In Horsepower Schedule. This
is the Basic Run-In. During this time engine performance will improve as new parts begin to "seat in". Record all of the
required data.
C. BASIC RUN-IN INSPECTION
While the engine is undergoing the Basic Run-In, check each item indicated in Section "C" of the Engine Test Report.
Check for fuel oil or water leaks in the rocker arm compartment.
During the final portion of the Basic Run-In, the engine should be inspected for fuel oil, lubricating oil and water leaks.
Upon completion of the Basic Run-In and Inspection, remove the load from the dynamometer and reduce the engine
speed gradually to idle and then stop the engine.
D. INSPECTION AFTER BASIC RUN-IN
The primary purpose of this inspection is to provide a fine engine tune-up. First, tighten the cylinder head and rocker arm
shaft bolts to the proper torque. Next, complete the applicable tune-up procedure. Refer to Section 14.
E. FINAL RUN-IN
After all of the tests have been made and the Engine Test Report is completed through Section "D", the engine is ready
for final test. This portion of the test and run-in procedure will assure the engine owner that his engine has been rebuilt to
deliver factory rated performance at the same maximum speed and load which will be experienced in the installation.
If the engine has been shut-down for one hour or longer, it will be necessary to have a warm-up period of 10 minutes at
the same speed and load used for warm-up in the Basic Run-In. If piston rings, cylinder liners or bearings have been
replaced as a result of findings in the Basic Run-In, the entire Basic Run-In must be repeated as though the run-in and
test procedure were started anew.
All readings observed during the Final Run-In should fall within the range specified in the Operating Conditions in Section
13.2, and should be taken at full load unless otherwise specified. Following is a brief discussion of each condition to be
observed.
The engine water temperature should be taken during the last portion of the Basic Run-In at full load. It should be
recorded and should be within the specified range.
October, 1970 S EC. 13.2.1 Page 3
