What do you recommend for a proper engine break-in procedure?
I just bought a new '07 SC 5.4 and I thought I would take it very easy for the first 500 miles, then occasionally running engine up 3000 rpms and once in a while running up to 4000 rpm for the next 500 miles. Then over the next 1000 miles running it over 3000 more often with some harder acceleration from 1500 rpm, and again, occasionally running up to 4000 rpm. I thought I would wait until I have about 2000 miles on it before I push rpms over 4000. You sure dont have to run these engines at high rpms to accelerate quickly or carry some speed.

 

In my first 500 miles, my engine was lucky to see 2k rpms.

I rarely ever need to go beyond 2k... but I sometimes nail it up to around 4k to make sure the engine stays clean (even though I sometimes think it's a waste... but as long as my truck works, that's all that matters)... and it's got a lot of power.

 

I run mine during break in about how you listed. Run 5 motors to over 100k and never had a single engine problem.

 

there is no real break in. just drive it normal. You wouldn't abuse it when "broken it" would you? don't abuse it now.

 

yeah take it easy for 200 miles, then run the heck out of it

 

Run it hard from the get go. Dont redline it but put a good load on it. This is the best way to seat the rings without glazing the cylinder.


read this, it works.

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

 

Yep, no break-in period needed the way we used to understand it.

I'd still go easy the first 500 miles, maybe no towing until 1,000 are on but even that much caution probably isn't necessary.

These new engines are built to such tight tolerances that seating the rings and so on are pretty much a thing of the past.

Just go ahead and enjoy your truck!!

 

drive it like you going to for the whole time you own it.