running in an engine, is it a myth?

[SCP440]

Most new cars leave the dealer and unless they have a problem wont be back even for an oil change until the first service. I know manufacturing tolerances are a lot better these days but it still does not feel right to me.

If I could afford a new vehicle personally I would drop the oil at 1000 miles myself.

[EdgarDonaldBalls]

I got a brand new Focus 1.6 TDCI company car in 2007, I was told to run it in gently for the first 1500 miles and then bring it to the dealer for an oil change. That was just over a week later but I did what they asked, I was the only one that did in a fleet of 9 identical cars and mine was the only one that lasted beyond 75000 miles without major issues.

I had never been told to do this for any of my other new company cars, a 2002 Golf TDI and 2004 Peugeot 307 HDi. The golf taught me not to believe that german cars are more reliable but it was infinitely more reliable then the peugeot. Never had an issue with the ford despite it's peugeot engine, except for when it spat off an intercooler hose somewhere near Keighley the day after it was serviced.

[HarryM1BYT]

Originally Posted by macafee2

but what about run in fast always fast, is it true or rubbish?

macafee2

Some research I read about the subject, said that taking it too easy during the running in period was as bad as thrashing it. The correct way was short bursts of hard work, with time for it to recover. The burst length being gradually increased to 100% until run-in.


Machining specs are much better now, so no real need to run-in.

[RoverP480]

My local LR dealer was saying their Demo models always seem to run better than the ones in owners hands that have been run gently. The Demo ones get thrashed from day one. Whether they last longer or not is a mute point.

[bl52krz]

Originally Posted by macafee2

but what about run in fast always fast, is it true or rubbish?

macafee2

I tell you what, you run your engine in fast, and I will run mine in correctly, gentle and no more than 1500/2000 rpm for the first 500 miles, and then gentle acceleration for the next 500/1000 miles upto two thirds engine speed. Do not let the engine labour in to low a gear because of oil pressure being low.And mine will still be going when yours has either seized up or worn out.

[topman]

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

Some research I read about the subject, said that taking it too easy during the running in period was as bad as thrashing it. The correct way was short bursts of hard work, with time for it to recover. The burst length being gradually increased to 100% until run-in.


Machining specs are much better now, so no real need to run-in.

That was my understanding that engines come ready, no real need for running in. Lots of factories have test beds that do all that before they ever fitted to a car.

[bl52krz]

Do you really think that they ‘test bed’ every engine before it is fitted?The only car, as far as I know that does not need to be run in Is Rolls Royce. Their engine parts are burnished to size I believe. I would still run it in though..

[topman]

I think running in an engine as per 30/ 40 years is entirely harmless but pretty much pointless.

[COLVERT]

Originally Posted by T-Cut

New engines 'run in' better using mineral based (non-synthetic) oils. If the plan is to lube an engine with fully synthetic oil, then only start using it after the 'running-in' period. I wonder how many brand new cars actually get 'run-in' these days?


TC

However----If an engine is tight somewhere the friction will generate a local hot spot.

Mineral oils break down at a lower temperature than synthetics giving you the possibility of metal to metal contact.-----

Personally I would always use semi or full synthetic oil.---

[COLVERT]

Originally Posted by topman

I think running in an engine as per 30/ 40 years is entirely harmless but pretty much pointless.

Sorry----but I don't quite understand the 30/40 years.

Could you please give a bit more info.------Thanks in advance.