I need advice as to what is the best way to break-in a new vehicle? I always thought that the way the vehicle was driven during the first several thousand miles would have a lasting effect on the vehicle's performance for the rest of the vehicle's life. A proper break-in would make sure that the vehicle had the most power possible for the drive train and that the gas mileage and oil usage would also be optimized.

There seems to be two schools of thought involving which is the best break-in:high Rpm when the vehicle is new--or low RPM for the first several thousand miles.

To all of you experienced and knowledged Ford owners at there: What is the best way to break-in a new vehicle?

Thanks!

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2001 GT Mustang
5 speed

 

There are lots of opinions on this. IMHO, as an engineer, I think the best is to run the engine at medium RPM - No redlines and No lugging.

One of the most important things is to seat the rings properly, so lots of cylinder pressure is required. This means low to mid RPM and lots of throttle. For the same reason, synthetic oil is not so good (here come the flames!) until after break-in is complete.

Gradually bring the revs up as the engine breaks in and let it rev freely after 2-3k miles.

Ian

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99 Expedition EB
5.4l, 4x4, 4.10 LS
WMS Tube, Bassani Cat Back Exhaust, Superchip Flipchip, PIAA Superwhites

 

Just drive normally. Well, normal for everyone but F150onliners! In other words, don't do floor it.

You do not want to do any towing in at least the first 1,000 miles. Not only do you not want to strain the engine, you don't want to tear the gears apart. They need time for the mating surfaces to case harden to the max before you tow.

Finally, you don't want to be driving for long distances on the freeway where you only drive at one rpm. The engine needs to have varying rpms. I've been told that slowing with your foot off the gas helps bring oil up into the cylinders. How true that is, I don't really know.

 

Ian N: Since I intend to put synthetic oil in my new truck - based upon your remarks I want to consider waiting until the break-in period is over. How long/miles do you consider break-in?

Thanks.


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dennis

 

In my truck, I changed the dino oil at 1000 miles and put in more dino oil. Then at 3000 miles, I changed to synthetic.

There is lots of discussion on the boards about this - not everyone agrees that you should breakin on dino oil.

I also agree with Dennis - don't use the cruise until after breakin is completes, so that your engine speed is varied.

Ian

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99 Expedition EB
5.4l, 4x4, 4.10 LS
WMS Tube, Bassani Cat Back Exhaust, Superchip Flipchip, PIAA Superwhites

 

Ian - So in your opinion the break-in period is 3,000 miles? I'm new at this - the "dino" oil is the oil the truck comes from the factory with? You changed it at 1,000 and then 2,000 miles later you switched to synthetic? Did I understand you correctly?
Thanks.

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dennis

 

The manual for '00 f150 states 1000, vary speeds frequently.

 

Dennis - that is what I am saying (I feel like I'm being cross-examined)

Ford says avoid full throttle for 1000 miles. They don't say it is broken in at 1000 (as I recall).

My truck continued to get more powerful to about 3000 miles (ie the engine was loosening up). I changed to synthetic at that time and now only run synthetic.

You could probably skip the 1000 mile oil change but its cheap insurance. If there is anything left over from the assembly process (casting sand, machining particles, etc) they will get flushed out in the first 1000 miles or so.

Ian

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99 Expedition EB
5.4l, 4x4, 4.10 LS
WMS Tube, Bassani Cat Back Exhaust, Superchip Flipchip, PIAA Superwhites

 

I think you can stop worrying about break-in once you're past 1,000 miles. I know I couldn't wait to floor my truck. I held out for 500 miles, but I just couldn't wait, so did it a couple of times. Engine has been just fine. Hasn't needed any additional oil between changes. I don't see any smoke blowing out the tailpipe.