Re: [MV] How to "Break In" my new 42 MB engine?? (need advise)
Amikesomm@aol.com
Fri, 13 Nov 1998 19:30:07 EST
Hello Mauricio,
You are going to hear a whole lot of stuff from guys, and each one of them is
going to think they are writing a new chapter in the BIBLE. There really is a
lot of leeway in what you do to break in an older engine.
In my opinion (and it is NOT the gospel according to Mike! ) go with a quality
grade 10w30 oil for break in.
Do not use a synthetic for break in.
Do not drive fast OR hard, in fact several long 40 mph cruises would be a
great idea. Watch the oil quantity like a hawk during break in.
Expect a lot of smoke and stuff until the rings seat.
Change the oil and filter if you have one a lot during the break in,
especially after the first half hour - gets the ring fuzz and bits out of
circulation.
Do NOT use friction reducers until after break in. See, break in is really
the seating and polishing part of the process. If you reduce the friction,
the break in will not occur evenly and quickly - heck, the rings might not
even seat.
If you go with non detergent, you will have a lot of carbon byproducts that
will stay in the engine doing it NO good.
Some guys will tell you to do it the "original" way. Why?? I mean, the
quality of lubricants has improved enormously in 50 years. The quality of
engine rebuild parts like bearings and rings has, too. The tolerances and
machining (if done properly) are consistantly better. Why have only cast iron
rings when you can have cast / chrome / moly ?
Treat that engine gingerly, of course, but essentially it is a "new" engine
and can be broken in like any other recently rebuilt engine, unless you used
50 year old parts - and I hope you didn't.
Once your break in is complete, go with an oil that gives you good
performance. If the engine is tight, I would go with 10w30. If it is not,
then 10w40.
There is an ongoing argument over synthetic vs detergent mineral. Synthetic
probably will give you better service life through less wear. Some folks will
disagree with that. I mostly use regular myself, but not for any particular
reason, just habit and cheap oil.
I have used slick 50 type additives with terrific results on ooollld motors,
but you shouldn't use it on your new one until after the motor is completely
broken in, then I probably would.
Well, that's it. Let me know what happens! mike in VA
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