proper way to break in an engine, Titan

[pluckyew]

hmmm.

what's the proper way to break in an engine? uhhhh... i did not refer to the owners manual...doohh!

we got the truck on mile 18, drove on the highway (75 mph) about an hour to get it home then went on an eight hour highway trip (80mph)
our gas milage at it's hightest was about 14.5, but now it settled into a combined 11 mpg (at 85 mph high average).
i can live with 11 mpg, but i'm wonderin' did i not baby the engine enough on the break in or am i just a lead foot (and a dunce)?

the 2000 wranger I6 4.0L that was advertised 15 to 19 on the dealer sticker gets about 12 mpg with me, ranging about 8 to 14 mpg.

[outahere]

Originally Posted by pluckyew

hmmm.

what's the proper way to break in an engine?

we got the truck on mile 18, drove on the highway (75 mph) about an hour to get it home then went on a eight hour highway trip (80mph)
our gas milage at it's hightest was about 14.5, but now it settled into a combined 11 mpg (85 mph).
i can live with 11 mpg, but i'm wonder did i not baby the engine enough on the break in or am i just a incurable lead foot?

Nissan advises that for the first 1200 miles you should not exceed 4000rpm, or run at constant speeds for an extended time. The break in procedure is in your owner's manual. I would say the 8 hour run at 80mph was not a good idea. If you really want better mileage, dump the 50weight oil for some 10W-30, and run at 70mph instead of 85mph.

[Mustard]

Originally Posted by outahere

Nissan advises that for the first 1200 miles you should not exceed 4000rpm, or run at constant speeds for an extended time. The break in procedure is in your owner's manual. I would say the 8 hour run at 80mph was not a good idea. If you really want better mileage, dump the 50weight oil for some 10W-30, and run at 70mph instead of 85mph.

I have noticed the mileage really starts falling off past 70mpg. I am gettting 15.5mpg driving 70mph on the Hwy.

[cnatra]

Originally Posted by outahere

If you really want better mileage, dump the 50weight oilfor some 10W-30, and run at 70mph instead of 85mph.

[AfroCreame.]

Opps...I've been driving normally in mine. If I need to pass someone, I'am not going to coast past them under 4k RPM and I usually run 80 on the interstate. 400 Miles on her so far...

[outahere]

If you have to break it in on the freeway, at least stay in the right hand lane. This will force you to change speeds up and down as you adjust to people merging onto the freeway. It is my understanding that long periods at a constant rpm are not good for seating the piston rings (oil and compression), and is not good for breaking in the camshafts.

[Bayou Titan]

I would suggest that during the break in period that everyone dump their oil much sooner than 3,000 miles. I will change mine every 1,500 miles for about the first 5,000 miles. It's not a great expense doing it yourself and by not useing expensive synthetics that cost over $4.00 a quart.

[rrumaner]

Just took mine in at 1K miles for her first oil change. Free oil changes for the life of the truck was part of my purchase agreement. It didn't state how often I could do it so I figure at least once more in the next 2K miles and then every 3K miles thereafter.

[SoldOnNissan]

Originally Posted by pluckyew

hmmm.

what's the proper way to break in an engine? uhhhh... i did not refer to the owners manual...doohh!

we got the truck on mile 18, drove on the highway (75 mph) about an hour to get it home then went on an eight hour highway trip (80mph)
our gas milage at ........

You know Pluck, I've heard people say to "break'um in like you're gonna drive'um" and it sounds like you may have done that! I have always been to chicken to do it that way so I try to follow the manufacturer's suggestions.

Some of these same people seemed to have pretty quick cars though and don't recall they had any more problems than the rest of us so maybe you will be the quickest of the quick. Good Luck!

[Batman229]

Break'em in like you drive'em?! As cool as that sounds i dont see how that could be good on the motor or drive parts. If any one has any luck in breaking in there truck like this let me know.

[JetTech]

Originally Posted by Batman229

Break'em in like you drive'em?! As cool as that sounds i dont see how that could be good on the motor or drive parts. If any one has any luck in breaking in there truck like this let me know.

I've had 17 new vehicles in the past 17 years and I always broke them in like I stole'em. Several of these vehicles I've kept up with and one of them has over 170k miles on it and it still runs like new.........Give'em hell......

[LS1POWERED]

Originally Posted by JetForeman

I've had 17 new vehicles in the past 17 years and I always broke them in like I stole'em. Several of these vehicles I've kept up with and one of them has over 170k miles on it and it still runs like new.........Give'em hell......

I Completely agree! On my 2002 WS6 Trans Am I beat the snott out of her for the 1000 miles and it was one of the stronges stock motors the dyno shop had seen! An average 2002 trans am usuall puts down 300-305 RWHP
mine bone stock with about 2000miles put down 324.8 RWHP and 339RWTQ!
So drive it like you stole it!!! I know when i get mine thats how i will do it!

[tbeecher]

I'm with Jet! I always break them in like I'm going to drive it. I do try to not hold a constant speed for a long time (maybe 10 miles) and I try to avoid full throttle when it is cold. Other than that.. Drive it!

Tony B

[BearBrawn]

I broke my Dakota in aggressively - it has been solid for over 191K miles.

I drive 75% highway miles - the service guys recommended "stomping" on it occasionally from your cruising speeds - like passing a car.

[stevnmd]

Interesting read...
http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm