Break in period?

[roadpilot]

I should've explained...it helps avert issues due to improper break in i.e. rings and valves seating properly during that wear in period. That's what I meant.

That was a thing back when cast iron was the predominant raw component of these parts and the process of machining rings and cylinder bores were far less accurate that today. Back then, rings required considerable time to wear in and better fit the bore. Because materials have changed and machining tolerances are much, much tighter today, this 'break in period' is pretty much no longer a thing, as it takes almost zero wear to properly seat them. As was mentioned by someone earlier, this is why the manufacturer tells us that an engine it "broken in" before it leaves the factory.

Yes, you do what you feel is best. But what was recommended even 50 years ago is not what is needed today.

Oh, and for perspective: 50 years ago was only 1974 ...

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[roadpilot]

Cars are a lot more reliable these days, that's for sure. I was feeling guilty as hell for doing mostly short drives of just a few miles. It meant my car's, my hybrid maverick especially, almost never warmed up fully. But I've since been told if you're gentle on them, and change the oil relatively often, it's really not a big deal.

Lots of short drives means the engine doesn't fully reach operating temperature. When that happens, moisture that has built up inside the engine (while it was not running) doesn't get expelled (as steam). Oxidation and rust can result.

A such, it's always good to make sure your engine heats up enough to get rid of it for that reason alone. See @Skye's post above -- he specifically mentioned this.

 

[Coosawjack]

FYI.....I believe they "BREAK 'EM IN" when they drive 'em off the assembly line!!

 

[Ace 500]

All interesting points and our DH only has 94 miles so far but on the test drive I got on it a bit 2nd-5th gear to feel the power and I got that smell which is normal. Now we drive it locally and no HWY miles especially since my detail guy cannot get me in for a full front PPF job until mid NOV but I will get on it once in a while (and of course only after it is properly warmed up) no launches but a few hard pulls but nothing crazy and no track events for now. That is our approach to our Dark Horse break-in and can't wait for the motor, clutch and tires to all be broke-in and working as advertised so we can unleash the pony and enjoy it to its fullest!!!

 

[Marty1000]

I am following the tire break-in period per tire manufacture should be 500 miles. During this time the engine is doing it's break-in period as well. It is funny that I never noticed tire break-in back in the good old days being advertised as required, I guess the rubber and mfg. process has changed over the years?

 

[RebelMan]

Before attempting any break-in driving, spirited driving, something which will stress the components, always, always, always bring the engine up to full operating temperature. DO NOT perform ANY stress processes until things are up to temp (185F / 85C).

This, is the KEY to having a healthy engine last. I continue to do this to this day with every vehicle I own and have ever owned. I even have schooled my wife on the importance of this. Following this simple rule and routine oil changes have kept my '09 Bullitt with 74K miles running like new and ZERO issues.

 

[Col F]

I am following the tire break-in period per tire manufacture should be 500 miles. During this time the engine is doing it's break-in period as well. It is funny that I never noticed tire break-in back in the good old days being advertised as required, I guess the rubber and mfg. process has changed over the years?

Tire break-in became a thing with the advent of belted, radial tires. The belts need to "settle-in" or risk premature failure.

 

[robvas]

I just wear the mold release off the tires and send it

 

[porkrind427]

This, is the KEY to having a healthy engine last. I continue to do this to this day with every vehicle I own and have ever owned. I even have schooled my wife on the importance of this. Following this simple rule and routine oil changes have kept my '09 Bullitt with 74K miles running like new and ZERO issues.

Modern Coyotes seem to get up to temp fast. I remote start my car as I am approaching it, the temp gauge is basically always in an operating range by the time I am putting it into gear.

I am old school though and never peaked 4k RPM in the first 1k miles. Did an oil change then beat the shit out of it to 11k miles when the oil sensor went off. Plan to do no more maintenance until it goes off again.

 

[samson]

I just drove gently the first 1,000 miles and varied the RPMs whenever possible. After that let her rip.

 

[Wiley Marmot]

Didn't baby it. Didn't beat on it. Runs great; no complaints.

 

[Alan Applegate]

Since I live in Roswell, NM, I'm very familiar with myths, especially those who think ET can actually drive faster than the speed of light! Even with the advent of the James Webb Space Telescope, which has disproved all manner of scientific paradigms, the myths still outweigh the truth! The same can be said about engine break ins.

Get in, start it up, wait long enough for the oil pressure to stabilize (≈10 seconds?), and drive it like you want! Remember, we're not in 1960s Kansas anymore!

 

[glenng6]

Cars are a lot more reliable these days, that's for sure. I was feeling guilty as hell for doing mostly short drives of just a few miles. It meant my car's, my hybrid maverick especially, almost never warmed up fully. But I've since been told if you're gentle on them, and change the oil relatively often, it's really not a big deal.

DeluxeStang,
I feel much like you. What I do is drive until the engine is warmed up. I will even go the long way to places just to make sure it is warmed up. I will put it away wet, like you're not supposed to do to a horse, but I won't put it away cold. Glenn

 

[LJM]

I feel like it goes without saying that every engine has to have a break in period I’m curious why ford left it out of the manual and what type of break In some of yall did?

First 1000 miles for break-in according to Ford.
https://www.fordservicecontent.com/...ingEnabled=False&userMarket=USA&buildtype=web

 

[Sirjinx]

I am not seeing an oil change mentioned anywhere on the official ford maintenance schedule, let alone one at 1000 miles as people here have stated they have done

Does ford strictly use the INTELLIGENT OIL LIFE MONITOR to change oil? 10k is really the first maintenance?

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