<VV> Engine break-in period

[Sadek Charles H DLVA]

Yes, we all agree (speaking for everyone without their permission...;>))

Use detergent oil, cycle engine above lugging-DO NOT LUG, especially during
break-in and do not use the engine for a brake, during initial break-in.  My
Daddy told me...got to be right, right?!?! <VBG> Cycle slowly up to 1500
then 2000 then 2500 from above idle-for me that would be while in gear, keep
it above 1000 , with gentle cycles-drive it like a little old lady for a
while.  He said, when breaking an engine in, slowly accelerate and ideally,
when de-accelerating, try and keep power on a bit, rather than letting
engine freewheel as it comes down in rpm.  In other words, you want a little
bit of pressure on pistons, etc. in both directions, so to speak, while
going up and down in the rpm range.

Change the oil, keep the revs down for the first 500 mi.  By "down" I mean
no getting on the boost and running it up.  I was told that the worst time
for an engine was initial startup, then break in, subsequent start ups and
running cold at idle, resulting in increased wear.  My opinion from
everything I have read is once the engine starts, immediately get it up to
1500-2000 (I know it seems high) for warm up. For a street engine I would
alter this to whatever the stated fast idle speed is supposed to be plus a
100 - 200 rpm.

If I had time I would set up a bench to bench run my racing engines. I hope
to do that this winter.

Chuck S

-----Original Message-----
From: Sam & Marissa Andolino [mailto:mandolin@rochester.rr.com] 
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2004 7:25 AM

Thanks for all the replies.  Now I am confused.

According to the Clark's catalog, which is where I bought all my replacement
parts, for turbo moly rings, they say on page 24 "use non-detergent oil
until broken in and no synthetic oil for the first 5,000 miles."

All the replies I received said do not use non-detergent oil.  Does everyone
disagree with Clarks?

Thanks,
Sam & Marissa Andolino
mandolin@rochester.rr.com
1963 Red Monza Convertible
1966 Blue Corsa Turbo Coupe
  -----Original Message-----
  From: Sam & Marissa Andolino [mailto:mandolin@rochester.rr.com]
  Subject: Zero Compression update 3 and engine brake in period question

  Hi everyone,

  I got another 180 head rebuilt.  The engine is completely rebuilt.  It has
new everything - pistons, moly rings, rods, cam, crank ,valves, lifters,
etc.  The question now is what is the proper way to brake in the engine?

  The plan is to use non detergent 30w oil, changing the oil every 500
miles.  The suggestions that I have received is for the first 2000 to 2500
miles - drive the car both city and highway, but try not to engage the
turbo.  Is this a proper course of action?

  This is our first engine rebuild [and hopefully our last for now :-) ] and
any suggestions would be appreciated!

  Sam & Marissa Andolino
  mandolin@rochester.rr.com
  1963 Red Monza Convertible
  1966 Blue Corsa Turbo Coupe