Engine Break-In

[VegasRTL]

As far as mileage, my RTL had 30 on it when purchased. I still used the motortune breakin procedure for another 100 or so, then changed out the oil and filter. Obviously, I can't compare my break in to what Honda recommends. But, I feel good about getting the original oil with any metal particles in it out of my engine. I also ride a Honda VTX 1800, and broke it in this way. I have to buddies who both bought Kawa Valkeries identical, one broken in hard the other babied the way the owners manual wants. The one broken in hard is noticeably faster than the other. I've owned 2 Caddies with Northstar motors. If you dont get on the accelleration, decelleration technique a couple times (or more ) a week, the rings will stick. Doing this technique causes the rings to move in the bore and seat properly. This technique advised by Cadillac.

[shovelhd]

This is not a Cadillac. Honda has special break-in oil, and you changed it out waaaaaaay too soon. This will prolong your break-in.

[Jet Pack]

Originally Posted by Goggy

Hello all,
Brand new here - really cool site and finding it very informative.
Just picked up our new 08 RL tonight - pretty thrilled w/ it!
I was looking in the manual re: engine break-in and all it stated was no hard acceleration or hard braking for first 1000km.

I wondered if any of you had any other tips or suggestions or things I should be aware of?

Thanks!

The number of different responses you'll get from this question will be about the the same number as the member list on the ROC.
Break it in the way you see fit. If you normally drive an engine hard, break it in that way. If you drive for gas economy, then you should probably break it in that way.
Just remember, it's not a race car!
Just my 2 cents.

[VegasRTL]

I agree with you Jet Pac. I broke it in the way I wanted, and got rid of the break in oil with any metals in it.

[Ahab]

Originally Posted by VegasRTL

I agree with you Jet Pac. I broke it in the way I wanted, and got rid of the break in oil with any metals in it.

What, you don't have a oil filter on your RL?

[smczack1]

I changed mine at 3000 mile mark........

[25 Year Honda Owner]

Originally Posted by kanji

well, first 1000km, try varying your speed when you can, also, don't do jackrabbit starts, basically follow your OM booklet. also, don't change your oil early, wait till your computer tells you to or when you reach under 5%, Your current oil will help break-in your engine properly and after that you can either use dino oil or synthetic, but prefer synthetic oil over dino OH welcome to ROC and have fun with your truck especially on the snow.

My new Accord has 50% oil life and 4,100 miles. Long time for the break-in oil!! At this rate I will have 7,500 miles before 5% shows up!!

[rdharper]

Personally... its all about engine longevity. Most wear occurs in the first few minutes of turning on a cold engine. Avoid loading the engine during warmup.

Secondly... I can not see how driving a vehicle hard during break-in will promote engine longevity. Sorry... but it makes no sense to me.

Honda's own theory of using an extra dose of Moly to build up a surface film for better wear/protection is bypassed if you run the engine hard and fast during break-in. or change the oil they've provided early. Personally... I'll give them the benefit of the doubt given they have more experience on more different types of engines than any group on the planet.

[csimo]

Anyone that breaks in an engine based on what one foolish person running a web site recommends is as foolish as he is.

How could anyone take what a motorcycle mechanic says, which is so contrary to logic and reason, and then stretch that to believe it applies to an automotive engine is way beyond my understanding.

And I'm being very reserved with my comments.

[rdharper]

Originally Posted by csimo

And I'm being very reserved with my comments.

We agree... I was being even more "reserved"....

This theory of abusing an engine during break-in goes back at least to the late 50's.

I remember my Dad coming back from an oil change absolutely livid.. He'd seen his brand new '58 Chrysler New Yorker being driven about 90mph... by the guy that changed the oil. His excuse was "modern engines benefit from high speed driving during break-in. I was doing you a favor." I think my Dad came close to decking him. Instead, he took the car, and paid him nothing. I don't think I've ever seen him so mad. Well... maybe one other time.