Breaking in a new engine?

[rdecker83]

Just out of curiosity…what is the procedure for breaking in a new engine? And I mean before you turn the key for the first time. Is there any way to prime the lubrication system? What RPM should I run when it cranks over for the first time. Should the first oil change be after 500 miles or 1000 miles? Is there a faster way to break/seat the rings?

 

[monkeydude3]

As far as I know you want to be as gentle and patient with a new engine as possible. If you were the one to rebuild it, just load everything inside with oil... if not, just fill it up, and crank it over a bit w/o ignition to circulate the oil a little, and once you run it, cruise around as if you are trying to attain good gas milage. No full throttle, no racing it, just normal driving, and after the first 500 miles change the oil, then 1000, then 1500, and then 3000 as normal. My neighbor rebuilt his engine and he said it takes a few thousand miles for an engine to fully and properly break in. Take care!

 

[rdecker83]

Thank You!