What are your opnions on break-in times for rebuilds?
03-02-08, 07:16 PM
#1
What are your opnions on break-in times for rebuilds?
First of all, I did search. I came up with tons of threads but almost not useful info, so I decided to start this thread in an attempt to compile the different views on break-in times.
I have seen everything from take it easy for 1000 miles then its broken in, to keep it below 4k rpms for a few thousand miles then gradually raise the "redline" until 4000 miles.
So I want to know: how do you think engines should be broken in?
Please state your reasons, and whether this pertains to engines using new parts or used parts.
Thanks, everyone!
I have seen everything from take it easy for 1000 miles then its broken in, to keep it below 4k rpms for a few thousand miles then gradually raise the "redline" until 4000 miles.
So I want to know: how do you think engines should be broken in?
Please state your reasons, and whether this pertains to engines using new parts or used parts.
Thanks, everyone!
03-02-08, 08:38 PM
#6
Break in time all depends on whats been replaced in the rebuild.
If I'm just replacing apex seals, I've had no problems with just going a couple hundred miles at low revs. Change the oil for a second time and give it hell.
If youre replacing the bearings as well, its a different story. Make sure to change the oil very early also to get rid of all the shavings.
If I'm just replacing apex seals, I've had no problems with just going a couple hundred miles at low revs. Change the oil for a second time and give it hell.
If youre replacing the bearings as well, its a different story. Make sure to change the oil very early also to get rid of all the shavings.
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03-02-08, 08:48 PM
#9
Yeah, I'm currently following the guidelines from Kevin, since thats about the only concrete info I could come up with. My engine only has new apex seals, so I suspect is already broken in (750 miles) but I'm gonna give it a little while longer before I push it too hard.
Edit: I have also been told not to drive it on the highway during break-in. Is this just if you get new bearings?
Edit: I have also been told not to drive it on the highway during break-in. Is this just if you get new bearings?
Last edited by Sideways7; 03-02-08 at 09:03 PM.
03-02-08, 10:28 PM
#10
Yeah, I'm currently following the guidelines from Kevin, since thats about the only concrete info I could come up with. My engine only has new apex seals, so I suspect is already broken in (750 miles) but I'm gonna give it a little while longer before I push it too hard.
Edit: I have also been told not to drive it on the highway during break-in. Is this just if you get new bearings?
Edit: I have also been told not to drive it on the highway during break-in. Is this just if you get new bearings?
03-03-08, 01:05 AM
#14
I really Schruted it
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I did it the Kevin Landers way and I'm happy. I think the time, energy, and money that goes into a new engine, it might be worth waiting those 2,000 miles before opening it up.
Now a good question to ask might be, "Who here has blown up an engine just after rebuilding? And was beating on it prematuring the cause?"
Brian
Now a good question to ask might be, "Who here has blown up an engine just after rebuilding? And was beating on it prematuring the cause?"
Brian
03-03-08, 11:04 AM
#19
In an emergency situation(pulling out in tricky intersection and couldnt see that truck barreling towards you) I would rather rev my fresh motor past 4k once rather than have my car smashed because it cut revs at 4k.
03-03-08, 06:14 PM
#20
Lives on the Forum
03-03-08, 06:45 PM
#22
Former Moderator. RIP Icemark.
I generally follow Ted's recommendations (http://fc3spro.com/TECH/FAQ/breakin.html) if there is used unlapped plates, or used housings and seals.
If the majority of the motor is new, then I follow the Mazda OEM guidelines of no hard starts and vary engine RPM for the first 1000 miles.
If the majority of the motor is new, then I follow the Mazda OEM guidelines of no hard starts and vary engine RPM for the first 1000 miles.
03-03-08, 07:57 PM
#23
Lives on the Forum
I had to dig into this, since it piqued my curiosity...
This is what the 1987 owners manual has to say about break-in:
That's it.
-Ted
This is what the 1987 owners manual has to say about break-in:
BREAK-IN PERIOD
By following a few simple precautions for the first 1,000 kilometers (600 miles), you may add to the performance, economy and life of your vehicle.
* Do not race the engine.
* Drive at varying speeds without straining the engine.
* Avoid hard stops, except in emergencies. This will allow the brakes to seat properly.
* Avoid full-throttle starts.
By following a few simple precautions for the first 1,000 kilometers (600 miles), you may add to the performance, economy and life of your vehicle.
* Do not race the engine.
* Drive at varying speeds without straining the engine.
* Avoid hard stops, except in emergencies. This will allow the brakes to seat properly.
* Avoid full-throttle starts.
-Ted
03-03-08, 08:09 PM
#24
the highway thing its that you hold the car at almost the same rpm range all the time cause its a long road with no stop and go,On a rebuild motor you want the engine to be able to rev at diferents ranges so the motor see every diferent scenario(low revs,mid range revs,vacuum,temp changes,even some low boost)so that way all the seals(soft and hard seals)will start adjusting and getting used to this changes,i do this for around 1000 miles after that its just hell.
