Mototune engine break-in method

[Titan4runner]

I had varies cars, bikes, and even a 95 4Runner before; but none were bought new. Now I have my 1st brand spanking new 05 Runner, question is how to break-in a new engine really had me confused. After reading this site http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm , I don't know if I should follow his method and see. Has anyone break-in by driving wide open throttle on their new cars?? What is the result of that??

 

[<<<<]

Nothing fancy, just drive like you would on any other day. Go easy on breaks engine and trans for first 500 miles, also drive at diff speeds if possible. Good luck and welcome to the board.

 

[boston_kevin]

Controversial to say the least

I read through that a while ago, and you have to keep in mind that the engines he is working on are racing engines. Different blocks, rings, seals, etc. As I remember, he didn't have any data on what happens to those engines after 100k miles (because they are rebuilt so many times before that).

In theory, there should be nothing wrong with that method. The laws of thermodynamics support rapid expansion of the seals safely, but the laws of physics also state that a bumblebee can't fly. I would stick with the tried and true, Toyota approved method, for break-in. Remember that little black box will tell all tales...

 

[Thai]

Stick with what your manual says. I have done a "conservative" break-in on all my cars.........all without a hitch! On my M3, i followed BMW's recommendations (similar to Toyota's) and my high-strung engine never leaked one drop of oil. Other M3 owners did radical things...most of them had to pay for it in terms of oil leakage/loss.

Follow Toyota's recommendations.

 

[Northof49]

Nothing fancy, just drive like you would on any other day. Go easy on breaks engine and trans for first 500 miles, also drive at diff speeds if possible. Good luck and welcome to the board.

Exactly, just drive it like normal. Don't leave it idling for long times, don't drive at 1 rpm level or load for long times.

There's no need to take it TOO easy tho, do try to use a good spectrum of the rev range, just don't floor it for long periods of time.

Most break-in these days is done within the first few miles anways, and chances are that the transport and dealership guys have already done that for you

 

[ToolmanJohn]

I have a brilliant IDEA!!

Put your truck up on a lift, and go Wide Open Throttle for about 20 miles worth!! Even better, make it 100 miles worth!! Please keep us up to date on how the engine treats you during the next few years.



Anyway, you know better, I hope.... Yes the rings do need a break in period, but beating the snot out of the motor when it's new is not going to make it last longer. Also, without carefully collecting DATA and doing a study, that method sounds like BS. He should do 4 engines, two broken in normal, and 2 with his method of putting the hurt on them. Then see which engines last longer by running them identically for the remainder of the expected lifespan. Without an in depth study and scientifically collected proof, I would never believe something like that.

 

[abin]

I remembered owner's manual has a section about break-in.

 

[Titan4runner]

Mototune's theory and method isn't without some reasoning and datas behind it. It is a different approach, and against most of traditional break-in methods. Just interesting if anyone done this method, and came out having good results. I am toward the gentle way on my new car just like most of you guys on your new cars.

 

[EDGE]

They also say to do it within the 1st 20 miles then change the oil, crotch rockets or sports bikes come from the factory with zero miles, 4Runners average 3-10 some even higher so it just really impractical to pick it up from the dealer and go out onto public roads and run it through all the gears in traffic.

The break in is for the vehicle as a whole, not just the engine, transmission clutch packs, front/rear ends, shocks, suspension, brakes, the 1st 1000 miles is just an important part of the vehicles life so that everything is worn in and sits into place, not just the engine

 

[EDGE]

Re: I have a brilliant IDEA!!

Put your truck up on a lift, and go Wide Open Throttle for about 20 miles worth!! Even better, make it 100 miles worth!! Please keep us up to date on how the engine treats you during the next few years.

On a lift the truck has no actual load on it: thats why they say dyno