How Many Miles Break-In period??

I believe it makes a difference as to which type rings are used.. Original style rings probably should be run-in easily while I believe in a fairly hard run-in on new style rings.. I also believe in a quick first oil change, less than 100 miles.. Just my opinion though..
 
For the break-in of the engines I re-build, I suggest moderate driving speeds with very limited idling periods and no lugging...ever.
Moderate driving speed: 25 - 40 for the first 300 miles varying the speed often
Limited idling: The dippers do not create enough splash if idled for long periods and that will starve the cylinder walls of oil (limit idling periods during the first 150 miles). Waiting for a signal light to change is not a problem.
No lugging: Excessive lugging will drive the oil out of the rings and overheats the surfaces
If running an overdrive...don't engage it until there is 1000 miles on the engine and there after (forever) always drop out of overdrive on long hills. (Just because the engine has the power to pull the hill in overdrive, it isn't a reason to do so.)

Good Day!
Dave in MN
www.durableperformance.net
 
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Pa Joe said:
I'm glad that this post was brought up because I'm doing the same thing. Just installed a rebuilt engine in my 28 tudor. What I gather from the posts is most agree run it but vary the speed up and down. Don't cruise at a constant speed. Some say run it hard, some say run it easy. I'm going to run it about 30mph for the first 500mi, change the oil then run it close to normal. Hope thats right.
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Greetings Pa Joe and to all the participants in this thread,

There are a lot of opinions offered in this thread...many of the techniques or methods would work just fine. If you re-built the engine yourself, by all means use the method that makes the most sense to you.
BUT...if you had an engine re-builder do the work, I think we are overlooking something in this thread. IMO: If one expects warranty support from your engine builder it would be advisable to follow his suggested break-in guidelines. I expect those who take delivery of one of my engines to do so. Most engine builders will include break-in instructions with your fresh engine.

Good day Guys!
Dave in MN
www.durableperformance.net
 
Thanks guys for all the great posts. Guys like me that are fairly new to As appreciate your input. Joe
 
Well, since I started this post, I have read all kind of responses and that's exactly what I wanted. I am taking it easy for at least 300-400 miles and then I'll change the oil. I do like the idea of running it up to about 30-35 and then back it off for a while and since I live out here in the country there's little stopping & starting to concern myself with. I don't know who rebuilt the engine, but I know it was done by a Model A restoration business with lots of years and rebuilds under it's belt. It has since closed and the owner has also passed away. This engine was rebuilt back in the mid to late 80's and kept oiled real well and the owners turned it over from time to time. Everything was well documented.

Thanks for all the input.
 
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