breaking in new engine

[Jaysan]

I just got my engine at transmission rebuilt. Both have 0 miles. How do i break them in ?

[cam98aro]

Re: breaking in new engine

what is it, a 3.4 or 3.8?

correct me if i am wrong, but the 3.4 has hydraulic flat tappet lifters, which means that the camshaft MUST have lube on it, and must be started and brought to 2000-2500 rpm for 15 minutes, then follow the below directions

if it is a 3.8 just drive it really easy for the first 500-1000 miles, change the oil after the first 500 or so and check for metal flake

the only real break in the 3.8 needs is so the piston rings can seat in, which is done by having a load put on the engine, through normal driving and engine braking

[Jaysan]

Re: breaking in new engine

its a 2000 3.8

do I check for metal flake in the oil , should I run in through a strainer ?

[Leonard 3.8L]

Re: breaking in new engine

I got mine rebuilt last year. All you need to do when breaking it in do not run it hard. Give it a chance to lube itself up real good. I waited a couple months before I slammed the throttle.

[Jaysan]

Re: breaking in new engine

I heard to keep the car under 2000 rpm's and don't go over 55 mph . I heard i have to do this for the first two thousand miles.

[cam98aro]

Re: breaking in new engine

I heard to keep the car under 2000 rpm's and don't go over 55 mph . I heard i have to do this for the first two thousand miles.

no, thats not true at all.

you are suppose to try and vary your engine rpm and speed of the car while driving, what that does is cause a bit of engine braking which will put a load on the engine and seat the rings

just go easy on the engine, the first few thousand miles is when a lot of wear happens on the engine, you dont want to beat on it or you will cause a ton more wear and ruin the engine quicker

[flamingchicken]

Re: breaking in new engine

I heard to keep the car under 2000 rpm's and don't go over 55 mph . I heard i have to do this for the first two thousand miles.

i think thats for like aircooled engines, like harley's and stuff.

[Jaysan]

Re: breaking in new engine

what is it, a 3.4 or 3.8?


if it is a 3.8 just drive it really easy for the first 500-1000 miles, change the oil after the first 500 or so and check for metal flake

the only real break in the 3.8 needs is so the piston rings can seat in, which is done by having a load put on the engine, through normal driving and engine braking

How do I check for metal flake? Do i drive the car at like 1/4 throttle

[cam98aro]

Re: breaking in new engine

How do I check for metal flake? Do i drive the car at like 1/4 throttle

when you change your oil, you will see metal flakes in there, or it will look very metallic

no, you dont have to drive at 1/4 throttle, just pretend you are driving normally, dont floor the car when the light turns green, just ease it up to speed