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New Engine Break-In technique?

Old Apr 19, 2002 | 04:19 PM
  #1  
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Default New Engine Break-In technique?


What is the best technique for breaking in a new engine?
How many miles? What rpms? Max rpm?

Any other advice appreciated.
New Longblock.

Thx!
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Old Apr 19, 2002 | 04:25 PM
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Default Re: New Engine Break-In technique? (MelloYellow)

Well its the ole 500 miles.....

No WOT, no slamming on the brakes, vary your RPM"s..... take it easy on the brakes for the 200 miles(I think)

I believe keep it under 2500 RPM's as well. I did all these pretty much, and the car is running just fine!!!

Good luck, and congrats on the new ride!!!! Post some pics :yesnod:

Zack
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Old Apr 19, 2002 | 04:45 PM
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Default Re: New Engine Break-In technique? (y2k02c5)

Thx. Actually just new engine! ;)
But that's what confuses me a bit. Vary the rpm's they say, but also keep them below 2500?
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Old Apr 19, 2002 | 04:45 PM
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Default Re: New Engine Break-In technique? (y2k02c5)

change your oil after the first 700miles
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Old Apr 19, 2002 | 05:12 PM
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Default Re: New Engine Break-In technique? (MelloYellow)

I got this from a GM Certified Mechanic...it's what I used.....

First 500 - very easy on the brakes....
Fisrt 1000 miles - 3000 rpm max, no hard starts or WOT
Change the oil and filter at 1000 miles
Then, if decide to go wild after that, change the oil again at 2000 miles. The hard driven should free up anything that did not shake out in the first 1000 miles.
After that, use the DIC and change at 25% oil life remaining....

Hope that works for you...... :chevy
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Old Apr 19, 2002 | 05:49 PM
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Default Re: New Engine Break-In technique? (Saleen351)

Most shops bring it up to and run it over 2000 rpm for 20 min, swap the oil, then on to the dyno the cars go.
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Old Apr 19, 2002 | 06:14 PM
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Default Re: New Engine Break-In technique? (MelloYellow)

I did the 500 miles thing and then I am going to get the oil changed at 1500
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Old Apr 19, 2002 | 06:49 PM
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Default Re: New Engine Break-In technique? (LowFlight)

Mello--
I've written about this before, but here goes:

Accel, decel, accel, decel on and on. Vary the RPM up and down, as this loads the rings both ways. Don't go WOT except for very short bursts, but DO go WOT for short bursts!!! Let the RPM climb, but stay below about 5200 or so. Then let it decel from time to time. Don't lug the motor, either. Frankly, normal "suburban" driving is about what you're looking for. Going crazy with a new motor loads bearing surfaces (ALL the bearing surfaces, and there are many many many) that haven't had a chance to mate-in, but going too easy doesn't force the rings against the cylinder walls....so you're looking for that "surburban driving" balance.

I don't baby a new motor, but I DO continue this moderately robust break-in period for much longer than most guys do. I'm talking about 750 miles here, and as you know, some guys go full power to redline at 300 miles. Uh-uh, not me. That's for drag motors, not a street car, IMHO.

Hope this random rambling conveys my philosophy on this touchy subject. I think the Israelis will make peace with the Palestinians :cheers: before knowledgeable car guys agree on proper break-in procedure!!!
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Old Apr 19, 2002 | 08:16 PM
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Default Re: New Engine Break-In technique? (tracy)



Tracy knows his stuff. At least with the matter of breaking in your motor, your choices are your own and consequences not as great as in the Middle East. If you blow up something, shame on you.

Mello...Whether 500 or 750, I like changing oil more often than less. With the ARE motor, have used 20W50 "real" oil and then swapped to Mobil One synthetic after 3000 miles in my second oil change. (BTW, oil was at the mark of the dipstick both times. No burnig or leaking! :cool:

Good luck.

Doug


[Modified by Snowman, 6:18 PM 4/19/2002]
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Old Apr 20, 2002 | 04:23 AM
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Default Re: New Engine Break-In technique? (Snowman)

Thx guys. Def varying the rpms.
Not being real good about keeping the rpms down. Oh well. LOL! I can't take any more break-ins. 3 trannys, 2 engines.. SCREW IT!
;)

Will vary RPMs and change oil at 1000 miles.
Thanks for the good advice tho. Guess I couldn't hack another long break-in. I'll try not to keep red lining the engine over the next few days.

Pulls hard. Runs good. :D
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Old Apr 20, 2002 | 09:46 AM
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Default Re: New Engine Break-In technique? (MelloYellow)

We are breaking in our 427:

Run on 10W30 regular motor oil for 350 miles, keeping the car under 4000 RPM's, no WOT, varying the RPM's up & down

Change oil at 350 miles, again repeating the process above for another 350 miles, then switch to Mobile 1. Take her a little easy for ~200 miles working her up to up WOT.

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