Motor Break in Honda

[link220eva]

I was wondering if any body could tell me the correct way to break in a new or freshly rebuilt engine? Which oil do you use synthetic or non? different websites give me different answer. So any help would be appreciated since im am preparing to put my rebuilt

Topic

[WDHewson]

I’ve pretty well concluded that “break-in” has been mostly been made obsolete my very accurate machining, highly controlled assembly, hard wearing materials, well formulated lubricants, and clean gasoline. That said, an engine should not be lugged nor over-revved at any stage of its life. You would think that if the break-in procedure is obsolete, then delete it from the owner’s manuals. But if you are the vendor, why not have the owner baby the car during the warranty period.

[EricTheCarGuy]

The break in period is the first 500 miles where you want to avoid WOT and vary your engine speed as much as possible meaning that you don’t want to stay at a given RPM for sustained periods of time as often happens during highway driving. As for oil the engine was designed to run on regular oil so you don’t need to run synthetics just use the correct oil viscosity as called for by the manufacturer.

[ark_454SS]

Don’t use any synthetics or it won’t break it properly. Mineral oil lets the rings seat properly, the syn just works too well lol

Thrasher

[Third Gear]

Use a cheap non-synthetic oil. Let the engine warm up and take it out onto the street. Take it somewhere where you will have the chance to vary your speed without worrying about traffic too much. The first few miles just drive normally. Then begin cycles of accelerating and decelerating (engine braking). Example: from a dead stop take off with 40% throttle go through a gear or two, then take your foot off the gas and let the engine slow you down to a stop (if road conditions permit). then go 50% 60% etc. I would say try not to go more than 75% throttle. So you drive under those varying conditions for 20-30 miles. Then go home and change your oil and filter. Again, use cheap oil and try not to keep the engine at a constant speed (ex. highway driving).Drive another 500-1000 miles and do another oil change. This time run the oil at a normal interval – whatever you prefer 3k, 5k, etc. Next oil change, you can run Mobil 1, Amsoil, or whatever your favorite synthetic is. Enjoy your new engine.

Remember: safety first, if you have to stop, stop. If you need to accelerate hard, do it. Don’t worry about it.

A Zinc additive, ZDDP, is a good idea, but not required. I use Redline break in lube for my 1990 Chevy with flat tappet lifters – keeps the wear in check.

[dreamer2355]

No matter who you ask, you will get alot of opinions.

I would use an oil with high levels of zinc for break-in.

[djdevon3]

Tried calling your local Honda dealership? They should be able to look up the information the factory service manuals.

[dseries16]

Third gear has got it right check out the link for a good read on engine break in theories and practices

http://www.d-series.org/forums/forced-i … break.html

[Author]

Replies