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Jun 7, 2026 | 08:10 PM

02turboss

Thread Starter

Teching In

Joined: Aug 2024

Posts: 31

Likes: 6

New engine

I have only around 200 miles on the engine. How can I tell when my engine is broke in
I'm wanting to switch to Schaeffer's moly oil. I just installed a oil cooler and would be a good time to switch.

Jun 7, 2026 | 08:12 PM

Scott Danforth

Launching!

Joined: Mar 2024

Posts: 296

Likes: 93

From: Bradentucky Florida

My machinist always said 500+ miles to break in a motor

Jun 7, 2026 | 08:13 PM

B52bombardier1

TECH Fanatic

Joined: Dec 2017

Posts: 1,476

Likes: 271

From: Bossier City, Louisiana

My engine builder said to use conventional 10W-30 until 5000 miles so that the rings would seat. I switched to a synthetic at 500 miles and all is good. But if you are at all concerned about the warranty being honored on that engine, stick to what the rebuilder required.

Rick

Jun 7, 2026 | 10:45 PM

Che70velle

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From: Dawsonville Ga.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02turboss

I have only around 200 miles on the engine. How can I tell when my engine is broke in
I'm wanting to switch to Schaeffer's moly oil. I just installed a oil cooler and would be a good time to switch.

The only break-in involved in a modern day internal combustion engine is ring seating. The rings are set in your first short drive. 4 to 5 heat cycles will ensure gasket sealing. If your tune is correct and it’s running fine, I’d go ahead and switch over to Schaefers now. I usually go 100ish miles on conventional and then switch over to synthetic. You’re good to go unless of course your builder has asked you to wait til xx miles…you don’t want to mess up a warranty, if there’s even such a thing here.

Jun 8, 2026 | 06:58 PM

02turboss

Thread Starter

Teching In

Joined: Aug 2024

Posts: 31

Likes: 6

Thanks for all the information.

Jun 8, 2026 | 08:00 PM

02turboss

Thread Starter

Teching In

Joined: Aug 2024

Posts: 31

Likes: 6

I got a small fortune in the engine. I do appreciate the information I was given.

Yesterday | 09:48 PM

Che70velle

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From: Dawsonville Ga.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02turboss

I got a small fortune in the engine. I do appreciate the information I was given.

Nice! It doesn’t take much these days to have $25k in one. Used to be a big deal, nowadays it’s expected if you want to make powah. Good looking setup you have. What is it putting down?

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Today | 07:15 AM

grubinski

TECH Enthusiast

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 647

Likes: 579

From: Carnation, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Che70velle

Nice! It doesn’t take much these days to have $25k in one. Used to be a big deal, nowadays it’s expected if you want to make powah.

I restored my Dad’s vintage wooden boat about 2 years ago and paid about $25K for a totally stock rebuild (a very well done rebuild, mind you) of a “marinized” AMC 287. The only new parts were a set of pistons to match the cleanup overbore.

Boats are like Porsches… the prices for anything marine related bear no relation to reality. At least with cars, you get a cool engine for your $25K. 🙂