Break In Period?

[bobmclean]

I get mine next (fingers crossed) what is the consensus on the break in period...to do or not to do? Also, first oil change 500 or 1,000?
Thank you,
Bob

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[Grimace427]

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35275&highlight=break

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39806&highlight=break


My vote is the latter's method.

 

[gravedgr]

Quoting myself for posterity.

Most break in instructions on high performance cars are for the driver, and not the drivetrain. The most important/feared word to a manufacturer is not WARRANTY, it is LIABILITY.

I know Porsche puts every engine on a block for a break in run at the factory, but Ford has much higher production numbers so that may not be true - although I would not be surprised if the voodoo gets some sort of break in or test run at the plant.

1. Always ensure oil is at normal operating temperature before passing 3k RPM (this is by far the most important rule)
   
2. Never load the engine - when in doubt, select a lower gear
3. Do not let RPM stay in the same range for a long time (no long idle, no cruise control)
4. Vary RPMs through the use of 1/2 WOT and full WOT (remembering rule 2)
5. Employ compression braking from redline to 2-3k RPM
6. Change the oil at 3-5k miles only if you're superstitious

You will have an engine that doesn't burn oil, doesn't leak oil and lives up to its specifications.

:cheers:

 

[Grimace427]

Most break in instructions on high performance cars are for the driver, and not the drivetrain. The most important/feared word to a manufacturer is not WARRANTY, it is LIABILITY.

I agree 100%

 

[mjeagent]

I might be mistaken but I thought the break in period was the time it takes to get from the dealership to your house.

 

[Rogue]

I get mine next (fingers crossed) what is the consensus on the break in period...to do or not to do? Also, first oil change 500 or 1,000?
Thank you,
Bob

What consensus? The manual states at least 100 miles before any extended high rpm shifts and 1,000 miles before any track use.

 

[Mr. Happy]

The thing to note here is the manual states "Extended WOT". That means don't do land speed runs, but go ahead and use some WOT as you please. There's nothing in there about avoiding high rpm either.

I believe in the hard break in method. My car saw 8,250 multiple times on the drive home from the dealer. I did 20-30 pulls of 3k to 7,500 + and then let it engine brake down. After that about 10 miles of normal operation for temps to stabalize. After that the break in is done. Change the oil, continue to have fun.

 

[mattlqx]

I'd say 500 miles is a good point for the first oil change.

 

[krt22]

Quoting myself for posterity.

What is "normal" operating temp?

 

[Mr. Happy]

What is "normal" operating temp?

180-220 seems likely in daily normal driving depending on temp.

 

[needspeed]

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35275&highlight=break

http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39806&highlight=break


My vote is the latter's method.

The second video is me. I did change the oil at 500 just for fun and removed the resonators and clutch assist spring.

The car runs like a wild animal and screams at the moon all the way to 8250. really as exiting as my f430 it is that good .....Steve

 

[gravedgr]

What is "normal" operating temp?

That's a per-platform question. You should reach normal temps in about 10 minutes or less on a 70 degree day, depending on how much you're sitting in traffic. I want to say it was 180 in the 911, and the post after yours suggestion 180-220 is probably in the right range.

 

[bdub85]

Always ensure oil is at normal operating temperature before passing 3k RPM (this is by far the most important rule)

Never load the engine - when in doubt, select a lower gear

Do not let RPM stay in the same range for a long time (no long idle, no cruise control)

Vary RPMs through the use of 1/2 WOT and full WOT (remembering rule 2)

Employ compression braking from redline to 2-3k RPM

Change the oil at 3-5k miles only if you're superstitious

You will have an engine that doesn't burn oil, doesn't leak oil and lives up to its specifications.

This is the method that I've always followed in all of my cars.

Another thing I would add is to give the clutch a few hundred miles before you try to do anything crazy like launching.

 

[stanglife]

I also like to pay attention to heat cycles. New engines = 3-4 cycles of Cold-OperatingTemp-Cold.

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