Break in

[ProSport Tim]

Wondering what the best method of break-in would be? I've tried to take it easy on her and keep the rpm's under 3000. However, I've gotten on it a bit, here and there. Also I've heard not to let a new motor idle for long? Any truth to that? Here in the North East it's kind of cold and I let it run for a max of 8-10 minutes in the morning. Should I not be doing that. Any input or direction would be great!

 

Thanks!

[Kgry]

I guess you're supposed to keep it under 55mph or something. I just drove mine like I normally drive and I haven't had any problems with 3k miles.

[dewfpo]

"Also I've heard not to let a new motor idle for long? "

 

When I picked up my 05 in late December, the hourmeter showed 3 hours on the clock and only 3 miles, and, there was plenty of black carbon soot in the new tailpipe.

 

I assumed the kid that washed my truck when it came in left it running for hours with the radio on while he took all the stickers and plastic off and dried it off.

 

If idling a new motor is not good for a engine, then mine is definitely F&*#$d.

 

DEWFPO

[lrymal]

Honesty, I wouldn't worry about the break-in. It isn't like the old days and I'm not sure why.

 

I'd suggest just being a bit gentle, but drive normally. Replace the oil at 3,000 miles with a premium synthetic, especially if you plan keeping the truck for over 100,000 miles. Otherwise, I'd just use a premium dino oil.

[ADDZ71]

Drive it like you stole it!!

 

Seriously, I don't think that with today's engines that it really matters. My truck was delivered from about 100 miles away and I'm sure that the guy driving it got on the interstate, set the cruise and pulled into the parking lot. Seven years and 63k miles later my truck doesn't have any motor issues rlated to the breakin. Anytime I have test driven a vehicle I have not held back. With the tolerances vehicles are under today in manufacturing I have found that the best thing to do is drive it a little harder early on so that it doesn't form a memory and then when you do need it to perform it fails.

 

Hope this helps and enjoy the ride.

[Mark_in_Tulsa]

On my Hemi Dodge the Dodge rep, told me to help the rings to set better was to drive like you stole it after a 100 miles.

OF course my chevy was allready broken in at 25,000 miles when I got it.

 

But with todays motors I wouldn't worry about it. Just change the fluids and you will be good to go.

[hihosilver]

I've heard to try and vary your rpm and speed for first 500 miles and try to keep it under 55mph. I changed my oil at 600 and 1500 miles and then every 3000 after that.

[neoh77]

Check out this link for a freshly built engine. Obviously your truck has already been through most of the early steps...

 

http://www.paceparts.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=636

 

The most critical thing on a new engine is really the first 20 minutes on a brand new rebuild with a flat tappet cam. We have roller cams already so that critical step doesn't apply. I've always driven mine normally.

 

Oddly enough...I had a 1990 blazer that was a dealership test-drive vehicle. It had 400 miles when purchased from the dealer. That car ran so strong for what it was (4.3l v6 TBI) and did so until I sold it with 115k miles. Either the break in did something or the dealer had a ringer because it MOVED. I figure it was beat on for those 400 miles since the dealership was on a 55mph speed limit road.

[Truckman031]

I would vary your speeds and not put it to the floor. Also, don't pull a trailer for 500 miles.

[Mighty HD]

I varied my speeds under 55, easy on the gas for the first 500, then drove normal.

 

 

Once I hit 500. I changed every fluid bumper to bumper with synthetic M1....Been great.

[redvett]

Read the owners manual. If you have any issues later they cant say you didnt break it in properly.

[mcreyaufmiller]

Drive it like you stole it!!!!!!!! Most new vehicles are redlined off the assembly line on their way out the door to the shipping dock.

[redvett]

Drive it like you stole it!!!!!!!! Most new vehicles are redlined off the assembly line on their way out the door to the shipping dock.

 

Yes some are run through the gears BUT not for more than a couple of seconds. The heat and sustained hard running is bad. When you drive a new vehicle your tempering and heat cycleing in every part in the driveline. EZ does it is best.

[ts71281]

I drove mine for 11.5 hours nonstop other than for gas at 75-80MPH all the way from Blanchard, OK to Minneapolis, MN and I've had no problems. My truck doesn't take a drop of oil, nor does my truck have the dreaded piston slap problems most of these trucks have. I'm a believer off long steady cruises on a fresh motor despite what others say. I step on it going uphill and let off the gas going down hill. Purposly putting a heavy load on the crank as I go up the hill and letting the crank raise as I let off the gas going down the long hills. BTW, my truck is a reg cab short box truck with the 4.8 and 5speed with 2wd and 3.73 gears.

 

 

Joe

[pixrob]

I varied my speeds under 55, easy on the gas for the first 500, then drove normal.

 

 

Once I hit 500.  I changed every fluid bumper to bumper with synthetic M1....Been great.

 

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I've always done just what you say even with my motorcycles and that first 500 or so miles there's lots of stuff getting used to being run so it can't hurt to get it out of the car/truck.

 

Rob