history · FF-0232

How did Ford break in Flathead engines at the factory?

Joe says each completed engine was hooked up to a 50 horsepower electric motor and rotated while the motor's current draw was monitored. When the current draw fell below a certain point, the engine was considered broken in. He says his mother's 1936 owner's manual stated that no break-in was required for street driving.

Expert

Joe Abbin

Evidence

expert attributed

Component

factory quality control

Applicable scope

Ford Flathead V8 factory production in the 1930s