Sorry if I missed this in another thread. I searched with no results.

My truck has 1,500 miles on it. I got my new exhaust on today and I went full out 3 times to about 45-50 m.p.h.(Did I hurt my engine). Also, I am getting a Troyer tune and AF1 tomorrow. What is the general theory/rule on engine break in time? I would like to test out the tunes at a full pull when I get it.

 

The engine doesn't need an extended break in. Just drive moderately for about the first 2000 miles or so and then put 'er to work. Just change the oil at about the 1500 to 2000 mark then every 3000 thereafter (unless your using a full synthetic then you can go about 5-7000 miles between changes).

 

Wind it up. The engines are broken in, the rings are seated, etc. when the engine is assembled at the plant.

 

I always thought the engines were just assembled at the plant not broken in.

 

no you didnt hurt your truck.. no worries keep on it.. your not going to hurt it..

 

I've always said the break-in period begins and ends as you drive out the dealership's driveway.

I've abided by this rule on all nine brand-new vehicles I've owned over the years and never had an issue.

Go ahead, drive it like you stole it . . . or baby it. Your call.

Safe driving.

PS: What exhaust did you install?

 

i went to the drag strip the first week i had my truck

 

Ditto. There is no longer a break-in period for any Ford engine. The rear end may still need some break-in (as in no towing for the first 500 miles) but after that, it's all good.

Doesn't anyone read the owner's manual any more? It does explain it in there, right around page #5. They recommend not driving at the same speed for an extended period of time for the first 1000 miles, not towing for the first 500, and not adding any friction modifiers or break-in oils.

Trust me, if you saw how they treat them as they roll off the end of the assembly line, your 'baby' has already been ridden hard and put away wet loooong before you first laid eyes on it.

-Joe

 

I'm right with GIJoeCam... Doesn't anyone read their manuals anymore?!?!?!

It may take 500-1000 miles for your computer to get the data it needs to optimize your engine settings, but it really doesn't need a mechanical break-in like engines used to.

The manual that came with my trucks also states not to hard accelerate immediately after starting the engine. But, there is no need to warm up your engine before driving.

My Ford dealer suggests a first oil change at 3K and to follow the manual after that... 5K oil changes with a synthetic blend. I've gave up on wasting my money on 3K oil changes over 10 years ago.

 

fisrt 5 mins with mine i let her know i was going to break her

 

You weren't the first person that did that... The guys in the factory are animals! As soon as it rolls off the assembly line, they drop it into the dyno rollers and go WOT up to 75 mph, then do an e-brake stop. They haul **** across the lots with 'em after they shrink-wrap 'em too.... they're not gentle when loading them onto car haulers and rail cars. They don't thrash 'em, but they don't baby 'em either.

-Joe

 

Just to fill ya'll in my exhaust grubrunner asked about:

I kept it simple. 3" coming from the Y pipe to a Magnaflow turned down. I love it. You can barely hear it at idle. Nice, deep, throaty sound under throttle.

 

Same for my dealer. I was there at 1600 and tried to get an oil change. They said that I would be wasting my money, wait till 3000. I did and it now has 36000, does not use any oil, no rattles, etc.

 

There is no break in period, correct.

However, hasn't anyone noticed an increase in performance and mileage as the miles increase?

 

Personally, no. The seat-of-the-pants dyno I have can't measure that fine of a resolution. Car and Driver's 0-60 and 1/4 mile runs change by a few tenths with 15k over the new times, so the average driver isn't going to notice any siginificant gains.

I've never noticed a difference in any of the new vehicles I've owned in the last 10 years. Now, in terms of ride, trim and/or dash movement, that's another story. In terms of driveline alone, I've never really noticed any major difference.

-Joe