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I'm picking up my brand-spanking-new Matador Red Mica '08 GS350 today! W00t! :-)
The question is... what are everyone's thoughts/recommendations on the break-in period? Vary Speed? Don't exceed xxx RPM? For how many miles, etc?
Thoughts please!
Thanks,
Mark
I wish I could give you a concise answer to your question, but there seems to be two diametrically opposed opinions on this matter. Back in the '50 - '60 engines were built to less precise tolerances then todays engines and the rule of thumb was to keep the rpm below 3000 for at least 1000 miles and to vary the speed up and down to make sure the piston rings would seat properly. Also, to change the oil the first 500 - 1000 miles. The reality with modern high compression engines is that the tolerances on the engine parts are now measured in tens of thousands of inches rather than in thousands. The machining is just better with numerically controlled systems. So the prevailing notion about babying your car, according to some experts, is passé and that you should drive the car hard (like you stoled it) for the first 1000 miles to assure good ring seating. However, both sides agree that you should make sure you warm your engine up properly before driving anywhere, vary your speed and hence engine temperature which will not only help piston ring seating but will assure that the bearings harden properly, and change your oil after 1500 miles. Some experts are even saying that synthetic oils actually hinder proper break-in and should not be used for the first 5000 miles. I took a middle of the road approach. I warmed up the engine properly, varied my speed while driving, kept my speed under 80 mph, changed my oil after the first 1500 miles, and did not change to synthetic oil until my first scheduled 5000 mile oil change.
I hope I didn't totally confuse the issue, but I thought you should be aware of both views.
Whose to say which view is right for todays engines.
I'm just keeping it slow (under 80 mph), making a concerted effort to vary the RPM any time on the highway, and going easy on the brakes. All for the first 500-1000 miles or so.
Now, about the car warming up.... I wasn't at ALL aware of this. Elaborate please???
according to some experts, is passé and that you should drive the car hard (like you stoled it) for the first 1000 miles to assure good ring seating.
That may be great for the piston rings so it will seat properly, but not too good for the other mechanical parts. I think Toyota somewhat try to seat the piston rings from the factory already. I heard they ran all the new car in high rev for like 15 mins or so b 4 it leaves the factory.
I'm just keeping it slow (under 80 mph), making a concerted effort to vary the RPM any time on the highway, and going easy on the brakes. All for the first 500-1000 miles or so.
Now, about the car warming up.... I wasn't at ALL aware of this. Elaborate please???
thanks,
Mark
it's not necessary to warm up the car anymore these days. just don't rev the car up too much when the engine is cold