Engine Break-In

I figure with all the science, testing and new owners it might be interesting to see how everyone's break-in procedure differs.

I've always done the low RPM for first 1k, with first 350 miles under 50 MPH, then remainder on highway under 75. Then first oil change and analysis before 1500

 

Drive like the manual asks, then oil change at 500 miles.
If the oil has metal particles, repeat at 1000 miles (should be clear at that point)
If good, then change at 5,000 and let the dealer do it at 10,000 since its under warranty.

 

Just do what it says in the owners manual for break-in...except for the oil change recommendation. Jayhawk as it right on the oil change intervals.

 

Same question. Doing a 1600 mile drive starting at about 200 miles on new Tundra. Will it survive until I get there or change oil on the way?

 

Personally, drain and fill only, never a flush. And usually do the drain and fill every 30-50k miles. I do the diffs and xfer case at same time as the trans. All that is drain and fill.

 

100%

 

I do as the manual says with easy diving for the first 1K miles, keeping the rpm down and varying them. I however add in small bursts of higher load for short periods. There is a lot of talk and evidence that the short period higher load seats the rings better. Combustion pressure forces the rings against cylinder walls and seats them in a slightly different shape than they have under low load. Theory is that you want the rings sealing well under higher load. Breaking in under load is the norm for race engines.

My truck is running perfectly and the engine has not self destructed, so my method must work.

 

Meh, drive the shit out of it and if it breaks it breaks. Word on the street, all 3rd gens will fail so might as well redline it till she blows.

 

I started out light for the first few hundred miles and then slowly ramped up the throttle usage as the miles accumulated. I got to 1K miles and did a few full throttle runs to feel the beast out and then immediately changed the break in oil out.

 

If you’re a mechanic, engine builder or machinists, then you’re aware of the importance of proper break in procedures concerning longevity and durability. I’ll typically follow how the manual describes. Not sure if I went even 500 mi before changing out the original oil and filter. As others have stated, properly seating the rings and tempering different metals and alloys that have different rates of expansion and wear is important if you’re looking for long term ownership. Transmission, drivetrain components and brakes will also benefit from proper break in. I drive very few miles with personal vehicles, so change every 5,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

 

My break-in consisted of a 6 hour, 415 mile road trip home from the dealer I got it from. Didn't do anything special other than tried to vary speed by 10 mph or so.
First oil change at 1K miles. Didn't go full throttle until after that.

 

Same for me, drove to Virginia from Illinois where I bought the truck. Tried to not go into a passing gear since it was mostly highway miles.

 

I hope none of yinz actually drove your trucks off the lot with the breaking oil still in there.

I drop that oil right at the dealership and refill with Signatures Series "Bearing Savior" oil.

 

I did the exact same thing from St. Louis back to Denver. Signed papers after the test drive and walk through/inspection and then got in and drove. Varied speed a little, but kept a light throttle and enjoyed the wide open spaces.

 

I just drove it normally and changed the oil at 5K with about 50/50 highway/surface streets. Unless you're towing or taking it on the autobahn I think it was enough.