Poqman

I was just watching an episode of "Overhaulin" on TV where they were installing a new crate engine and discussed engine oil. They said you should never break-in an engine with synthetic oil. They recommended breaking in with non-synthetic oil, then drain and replace with synthetic. Since our cars aren't scheduled for the first oil change until 10k miles, it's pretty clear that it is delivered with synthetic. So are the engines broken in before delivery and delivered with synthetic ready to run? Or does Lexus disagree and break in their engines with synthetic?

GearHead69

They are delivered with synthetic.

Poqman

do you believe they are also broken in with synthetic?

Radical350

An interesting read: how-are-you-breaking-in-the-engine.html

The lack of information results in utter confusion.
I would appreciate an official answer from a Lexus Factory rep, outlining the engine post-manufacturing procedure and what type oil used for delivery.

Nightcrawl

I'm sure Toyota/Lexus know what they are doing. :-)

Poqman

I'm sure they do, but I'm looking for an answer as to what are they doing. Was there any pre-delivery break-in and was the oil changed after that break-in? Usually engines get a 1500 mile oil change after break-in, but our RC's first change is scheduled at 10k miles. This is the first time I've owned a new car that seems to ignore a break-in oil change.

Nightcrawl

I asked the Lexus guy this question when I picked up my car, and he said the manufacturing tolerances are so exact these days, and the quality of the materials and oil so high, that there is no need to replace the oil any sooner than the first scheduled check, which is 15,000km. I didn't ask any further questions.

GearHead69

I didn't wait for the 10K oil change and had it changed at about 3500 miles. I've had many new engines in my muscle cars, and engine break in occurred when the engine was first started up and ran in the first 30 minutes, and then the oil was changed.

By the time we get our vehicles the engines have already been run by Lexus at the factory, and God only knows how the people who drove them afterward treated them. There are many ideas as to how to properly break in an engine after initial startup. Some are do it gently, while others are drive like you stole them.

If you are worried about the oil, pay the $80 or so dollars and have it changed at 1500 miles. Since we are talking about break in then what about changing the rear end and tranny fluids also.

unc879wins

I had my first at 3000 for no other reason than it made me feel better. Next one will be at the normal 10,000 mark.

DaGr8GatsB

If I bought a brand new $60k car, I would change the oil at 500 miles, then at 1000 miles, then every 3,000 miles. I would use synthetic every time. I don't believe the myth about using conventional during break-in. Auto stores are always haven't discounts or rebates on oils; it really isn't expensive compared to the car.

If you take care of your car, it'll take care of you.

Poqman

I elected to go ahead and have the oil changed at 4800 miles because it was one year old this month. I had to carry it in for the annual state inspection anyway. The dealer told me I could wait 18 months on the first oil change with such low mileage, but I just felt better changing that break-in oil. I guess in the future, I'll go on a 10,000 mile or 18 month schedule. Definitely getting different opinions on the mileage and time interval for synthetic oil changes.