Another Engine Break-In Question

[nU7OuxIx]

I'm looking to get some solid advice on this. I know many people say "drive it like you normally would" or "drive it like you stole it" suggestions....but I'd like to follow the book. Here is what it says...

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided.

To me, this means that when you're cruising at 30, you can put the pedal to the metal until you get to like 45/50mph's, then let up. Is this true? If so, how are you supposed to stay under the 4k RPM's that people suggest? Would you say that this is safe when it's between 50 and 300 miles?

I've been driving normal with, what I would say, brief half-throttle accelerations. Doing this stays under 4k rpm. Before I really do anything more than this, I wanted to verify here first.

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[JJMalone]

I'm looking to get some solid advice on this. I know many people say "drive it like you normally would" or "drive it like you stole it" suggestions....but I'd like to follow the book. Here is what it says...

While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided.

To me, this means that when you're cruising at 30, you can put the pedal to the metal until you get to like 45/50mph's, then let up. Is this true? If so, how are you supposed to stay under the 4k RPM's that people suggest? Would you say that this is safe when it's between 50 and 300 miles?

I've been driving normal with, what I would say, brief half-throttle accelerations. Doing this stays under 4k rpm. Before I really do anything more than this, I wanted to verify here first.

Don't worry or stress over this at all. I'm an old guy who has bought 30-35 new vehicles and worked as a mechanic and have several friends that are mechanics and have never heard of any engine problem associated with improper break-in, with the possible exception of some hi performance cars in the 60s that had solid flat tappet lifters and fairly radical cam grinds that suffered from flat camshafts early in their life. The fit, accuracy, oils etc, are so much better now. You'll be fine.

 

[Carolina Jeeper]

I understand the feeling. It's a little hard to not be concerned that something you do wrong with a new engine can be harmful to it.

Just take it somewhat easy for about the first 500 miles. I don't think anyone will deny a combination of driving in that period helps to seat piston rings. This is very critical to any engine, modern or not. Those rings in your modern engine don't know or care what century it is. Break em in right.

Ok this is just my opinion and personal preference. I change the oil in my new cars well before I reach 1000 miles. If there are any contaminants in the oil, which is highly likely in any new engine, it's better to remove it sooner than later. Again, it's just my preference.

I would monitor the coolant temperature and oil pressure occasionally just to get an idea of how the engine is doing. I check my gauges often anyway and should become habit especially when putting an engine through its paces while towing or other extreme conditions.

 

[calemasters]

The break-in procedure is not so much for the engine. It is to properly wear in the gears in the differentials.

 

[nU7OuxIx]

Thanks everybody for the responses.

It sounds like the general consensus is to just drive normal and it's OK to baby it. My big thing was getting the rings seated properly, but I'm getting that it's not a huge deal to take it slow.

Thanks!

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