Break-in process
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Staging Lane
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 86
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Break-in process I just got done building an LQ4 408, I was just wondering what is the best way to do a break in process with both cam and piston ring seating, such as varying the RPM speeds while cruising or how many miles until I have to safely change the oil, etc...any help will be appreciated!
The cam doesn't require a break in since it's a roller. As far as the rings, you'll probably get differing opinions. Most engine builders will probably recommend driving it a little harder to help seat the rings quickly vs. the old keep it under 50 mph theory. Just be sure to use a non-synthetic for the first fill. I would do the first oil change around 500 miles just to be safe and see how it's doing.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 255
From: Coast of San Mateo County Between Pacifica & HMB
Break in Recomendations Break in procedures are as passionately argued as religions!
However most top engine builders recommend a high zinc (at least
1200 PPM ZDDP) with no detergents Non synthetic for at least one
Interval of no more then 500 mile change interval.
It is important to vary rpm & load (once oil & coolant up to temp
170+/190+ respectively) to promote ring seal.
If it were mine I would do a two 500 mile, cycles prior to
Converting to Synthetic.
AMSOIL, Joe Gibbs, & Bradd Penn make excellent break in oils.
However most top engine builders recommend a high zinc (at least
1200 PPM ZDDP) with no detergents Non synthetic for at least one
Interval of no more then 500 mile change interval.
It is important to vary rpm & load (once oil & coolant up to temp
170+/190+ respectively) to promote ring seal.
If it were mine I would do a two 500 mile, cycles prior to
Converting to Synthetic.
AMSOIL, Joe Gibbs, & Bradd Penn make excellent break in oils.
I agree with Navy. And yes, you'll get lots of different info. For our engines, we heat them up once in the shop just to get everything rotating and make sure it doesn't have any issues. And then we change the oil before we run it again. This allows the first oil to get any debris that may be in the engine and get it to the filter. After this we go to the track. These are race engines of course, but we don't baby them. 10-15 minutes of running is normally plenty of time for everything but the rings to seat. That will happen over time.
