Engine Break In

[matsrat]

01 gmc 2500hd 4wd w 6.0. just had a new engine put in at the dealer, had a constant knocking noise warm or cold. 106k. noise had been there since 8k. gm was willing to cover 80% of the cost. so my question is. whats the best way to break this engine in? drive it nice and keep rpms low till i get some miles on it. or run it hard? i change the oil every 3000miles regardless...think i will change it at like1500miles for the 1st one. suggestions??

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01 gmc 2500hd 4wd w 6.0. just had a new engine put in at the dealer, had a constant knocking noise warm or cold. 106k. noise had been there since 8k. gm was willing to cover 80% of the cost. so my question is. whats the best way to break this engine in? drive it nice and keep rpms low till i get some miles on it. or run it hard? i change the oil every 3000miles regardless...think i will change it at like1500miles for the 1st one. suggestions??

 

Don't drive it too nicely or at one speed. Don't be ragin' on it either. Drive it normally, varying engine speed as much as possible to break it in faster. Since everything on the truck is already broke in, you really don't have to break the engine in much, 100 miles is easily enough to break in an engine. The breakins on new vehicle are usually because of the diff and trans and other drive axle parts.

[Zembonez]

Not a terrible idea to change the oil at 1000 miles (or even 500) on a brand new engine just on the off chance that some particles might be floating around from the machining processes. I'd drive it normally otherwise though... just don't give it hall and keep the high rpm bursts to a minimum until it has 1000 miles or so on it.

 

Otherwise congrats on the new engine!

[Stevens03]

I personally have always done the first oil change at 500 and 1000 miles then follow the 3-5000 mile between oil changes. Never had an issue

 

500 miles for the rear diff too.

[Kodiak450]

Curious, what did they charge you for a brand new engine? Before the 80% coverage? I would recommend 500 miles for a engine break in. Use a synthentic oil like ELF or better if you are willing to spend more. I use ELF and go 7500 between oil changes. $59.95 for the oil change at shop where I get my oil changes and repairs done. I would also recommend using 89 octane or higher!

[matsrat]

my out of pocket was $1000. that is at warranty price. i believe the had quoted me like $5500. i figure 1000 bucks is cheap for a new motor. it even comes with a 3yr/100,000mile warranty. so i'm pretty happy.

[Kodiak450]

my out of pocket was $1000. that is at warranty price. i believe the had quoted me like $5500. i figure 1000 bucks is cheap for a new motor. it even comes with a 3yr/100,000mile warranty. so i'm pretty happy.

 

Is it the same exact engine they used when your truck was built or is it a newer version of the 6.0 with current 6.0 HP & TQ?

[Zembonez]

my out of pocket was $1000. that is at warranty price. i believe the had quoted me like $5500. i figure 1000 bucks is cheap for a new motor. it even comes with a 3yr/100,000mile warranty. so i'm pretty happy.

damn! I'd be thrilled at that deal! Congrats man!

[Black02Silverado]

Sounds like you got a good deal on that new engine. Congrats.

 

As for oil changes, the stated above, changing out at 500 miles, then 1000 miles and then 3000 miles is a good rule to follow on a fresh engine. The lab I use for my used oil analysis suggests that routine to help flush out any manufacturing materials left behind.

 

For driving conditions, just drive it like you did before you purchased the new engine. Think of all the vehicles sold in the US on a daily basis and who actually does a break in procedure when they first get their new car. Like that new spoiled teenager to the old couple that treated themselves to a new vehicle. Vehicles have come a long way and the quality has improved with it. My parent and my in-laws have never had any issues with all the new vehicles they purchased over the past 40 yrs and never went by any break in driving procedure. Just a thought.

[jro909]

the majority of people don't go through the break in process, i've noticed those vehicles end up having problems down the road such as excessive oil burning or lots of engine chatter how did you manage to get gm to help heft the cost? ive dropped grands into stupid shit that should never of broke and i got no relief