Break In the Engine

1. An engine's initial run should be used to bring oil and coolant (air,oil, and/or water) up to operating temperature only, with little or noload, then shut down and allowed to cool to ambient temperature.2. This time give the engine light loads at relatively low rpm and stayout of top gear. This second run should last only 10-15 minutes beforeanother complete cool down3. The third run should see slightly higher rpm with light to mediumpower loading using short bursts of acceleration to help seat therings. Again 10-15 minutes of running should do it and again avoid topgear.4. A forth run should consist of light to medium engine loads with a fewmore bursts of medium-high rpm, and lasting just 10-15 minutes varyingthe engine load and again avoiding top gear.5. Next while the engine is still warm drain the oil and change thefilter. This gets out the new metal particles that are being worn
away. Most of the metal particles will break away within the first 50-75 miles. 6. To ensure the rings seat well, use the same high quality oil and don'tbe shy about short duration high rpm blasts through the lower gearsafter the oil has been changed.7. A few more 15-20 minute sessions should be used to work up to theengine's redline gradually increasing the engine loads. 8. After some definite hard running and 250-500 miles it's a good idea tocheck the valves. 9. After 500 miles re-torqueing the head is suggested.10. Switch to synthetic oil but not before 500-1500 miles.Most of the engine experts warned of the danger of breaking in theengine too easily and ending up with an engine that will always runslow whether it is from tight tolerances, inadequate ring seal orcarbon buildup. Engine load is more detrimental than rpm because ofthe head created internally, so avoid lugging the engine but rev itfreely especially in the lower gears. Basically, be sure not to get ittoo hot but be sure to seat the rings properly.