1000 Mile Engine Break-In: How Critical?

[1995E]

I think break in is a myth. I have built a few motors over the years and bought new cars, I just drive them normally and do not have issues. My Jeep with the Hemi I bought a few years ago went on a trip the first week I had it pulling a 3000 lb. trailer.

Well you wouldn't want to floor your brand new vehicle. It would just cause issues in the future.

 

[77rednecktruck]

Well you wouldn't want to floor your brand new vehicle. It would just cause issues in the future.

tell that to the guys who build motors and dyno them before even putting them in the car.

I don't know, I guess if you want to take it easy, that is fine but I don't. On the 302's I have built for mustangs it's build, add fluid, start to check for leaks, change oil, drive it like you stole it. No break in other than beating on it for a few days.

 

[Maniak]

When we got our '06 mustang (4.0 sohc) we didn't exactly break it in.. Since its a 40 mile trip to/from work so the only thing we did as a break in was not use cruise control and not floor it much...

Also, we changed the oil at 300 miles and then 1000 miles and then every 3k (or was it 5k?) after that... After the 36k mile mark (free oil changes) we switched to 8000 mile changes using synthetic oil and Wix filters..

At over 226k miles the motor is still going strong.. I don't have compression numbers with me (and I've slept since then) but when I checked them 50k miles ago they were all within 5% of each other.. So at least things are wearing the same.

~Mark

 

[spankygladu]

Break in period??

Just wondering if the so called "break in period" still exists on today's vehicles. I searched my owners manual and found nothing regarding this.

I have read a couple things like "do not drive long distances on cruise control until you have at least 1000 miles". I also read that you should change your oil immediately from the factory oil that is in the vehicle.. any thoughts?

Is synthetic oil really better for your vehicle?

I am planning on taking a cross country road trip from TX to Cali in a couple weeks. Obviously, lots of miles at steady speed for many hours (80 mph on I-10 across Texas). I anticipate having 800-1000 miles on it before heading out.

Any comments are appreciated. Enjoying my ride immensely and want to keep it enjoying it for years to come!

 

[fjc2]

Yep, right in the owner's manual, page 293:

BREAKING-IN
You need to break in new tires for approximately 300 miles
(480 kilometers). During this time, your vehicle may exhibit some unique
driving characteristics. Avoid driving too fast during the first 1000 miles
(1600 kilometers). Vary your speed frequently and change up through
the gears early. Do not labor the engine. Do not tow during the first
1000 miles (1600 kilometers).

 

[alexk]

Yes there is still a break in period. By 1000 miles you should be fine driving that trip, they don't recommend using cruise control but last year I drove a brand new Lincoln MKX 1200 miles to Florida straight from the dealership. I'm sure I used cruise control for portions of it and the mpg on the car is no different than one that was babied. Even on my explorer I drive a majority highway and 11 months and 18000 miles later it's fine. The only thing I say is not to redline it for the first 500-1000 miles. Also you don't need to have the oil changed right away, maybe at 5k vs the 10k interval ford has set on the explorer

 

[Motoarzan]

Read this first and formulate your own opinion.
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm
The theory and logic applies to all engines.

For me, Drive it hard! to seat those rings you require pressure! But, don't keep the speed constant (i.e. go on a 5hr highway cruising road trip ect...).

I often kept the terrain management in "snow mode" for the first 1000 km in city driving to keep those RPM's and shift points low even when hammering on the gas. This way I could stay quite a bit away from the red line even under "hard" acceleration.

Now that my Sport has about 4000km on it and pretty much broken in, it has tonnes of power and runs very smooth.

 

[dtr]

The dealer told me to do the first one at 5000 miles.

Friends in the auto industry confirmed changing the break in oil at 1000 +/- miles was not good for the engine.

Vary the speed or rpm as much as feasible.

If I have to take an interstate during the first 1000 miles I vary the speed and would use manual mode to shift gearing to give it more variation in rpm. But those who recommend back roads are correct.

The good news is they build things much better today and it is not as critical

 

[TMack2300]

Break In Period Questions

picked up the sport on Monday 2-10-14
i have 235 miles on her now... 8 when i picked her up..
so how do you guys break in your new explorer??
how many miles should i go before changing oil for the first time...
isnt there a break in oil in it now??

 

[HughCares]

Just don't drive it at a steady/consistent speed for the first 1000 miles to "break it in".

Then change your oil as per the service manual schedule.....anything sooner is a waste of time and money and totally unnecessary. Let the flood gates of differing opinions open!!!

 

[TMack2300]

Consistent or steady speeds?

Just don't drive it at a steady/consistent speed for the first 1000 miles to "break it in".

Then change your oil as per the service manual schedule.....anything sooner is a waste of time and money and totally unnecessary. Let the flood gates of differing opinions open!!!

How would I not do that?
The first 100 miles were all freeway home? Didn't do over 70 have not even had my foot in it yet.

 

[CajunFordEx]

There are so many differing opinions on "break in" procedures that one could write a book on it. The truth is that there is no exact right way to do it.

The days of "break in oil" are long gone. Your Ex has multi grade synthetic blend oil in it from the factory and is good for at least 5000 miles before a change is required. Just be aware that your turbo equipped engine is harder on oil than a non turbo engine. Also, use what Ford recommends to use which is normally 5w20 wt.

Personally, I would have "put my foot in it" as soon as I hit the ramp to get on the freeway. Then I would vary the speeds anywhere from 90 mph to 45 mph and let it coast down any overpasses/downhill situations I would encounter for about 250 miles. Anything after 250 miles, I would be driving it my regular way of driving.

Most folks just follow the break in recommendations in their manuals. Did you read the manual yet?

 

[Kpwweb]

. Also, use what Ford recommends to use which is normally 5w20 wt....

My Sport recommends 5w30...?

Be sure to read the owners manual for oil recommendations!

 

[CajunFordEx]

My Sport recommends 5w30...?

Be sure to read the owners manual for oil recommendations!

It is normally on the Oil fill cap also. I have the Explorer XLT and a 05 F150 and it states to use only 5w20. If the Ex Sport states use 5w30, then that is what to use. I think the Ex with the little 4 banger also states to use 5w30?

 

[peterk9]

picked up the sport on Monday 2-10-14
i have 235 miles on her now... 8 when i picked her up..
so how do you guys break in your new explorer??
how many miles should i go before changing oil for the first time...
isnt there a break in oil in it now??

As indicated in my PM, I have merged your thread with this one discussing break-in period etc. There is no break-in oil in your vehicle. The break-in topic is also cover in your Owner's Guide.
As for the question on oil, there is a multi page thread on that and everyone has there own opinion on it. You can follow the Owner's Guide recommendations or do whatever you like. That is basically what it comes down to.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309598&highlight=oil+change+interval

Peter

 

[tinner]

That's the 3 year old thread that is better for everybody to agree to disagree.

 

[peterk9]

My husband and i just bought a 2014 sport...i have been accelerating very rapidly a lot and have floored it a few times. So far we have 350 km on it. Could this have done any damage at all? Now im starting to worry.

Hard to really say, other that that likely wasn't the best thing to do with a new engine. You likely should be okay. I have almost 900 kms on mine but haven't 'opened it up' yet. I know the manual advises not to tow with it until you have about 1000 miles on it.
You must really like that 2008 Civic!

Peter

 

[Bobmbx]

My husband and i just bought a 2014 sport...i have been accelerating very rapidly a lot and have floored it a few times. So far we have 350 km on it. Could this have done any damage at all? Now im starting to worry.

No. It is true that engines need to be exercised at varying RPM for the first several hundred miles to help hone the cylinder walls and piston rings together, and to seat the bearings. Other parts of the car also need to be broken in, like brake pads, wheel bearings, differential gears, etc.

As long as you're not drag racing you'll be fine.

 

[peterk9]

Hey, it's a slow day moderator wise so I had to find something to pick on.
Traffic in the Ottawa area is getting almost as bad as in TO.

Peter

 

[FordServiceCA]

My husband and i just bought a 2014 sport...i have been accelerating very rapidly a lot and have floored it a few times. So far we have 350 km on it. Could this have done any damage at all? Now im starting to worry.

I am not well-versed in any technical aspect of your vehicle, bmmz. Per the owner’s manual, in order to allow a break-in period for your vehicle, you may not be able to create a Vehicle Health Report until your vehicle odometer has reached 200 miles. Considering the actual odometer reading, I suggest contacting your dealer; they’ll be happy to give insights on your inquiry. If you have any question, please reach out to me.

Kwasi