tfm®

Mebbe you could educate us all?

We've all heard a multitude of theories from many people and at least in my
experience they vary *widely*.

I'm inclined to believe my Uncle's method of warming the engine up by
driving gently until operating temp is reached, then take it out on the
highway and bring it to redline just momentarily. Then reduce speed and
rpm's for a few miles and repeat.

He claims this seats the rings and valves better.


I'm inclined to disbelieve (and ridicule) those who have said to start a new
engine and let it idle for hours on end to break it in.


--
TFM®

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steve t

I am a firm believer in: warm a new engine up, then give it several 3/4
throttle, 3/4 redline passes. After this drive it for the first 500 miles
varying the speed (no low RPM lugging) and don't allow it to "cruise" at a
steady speed. At this point change the oil and enjoy your correctly broken
in engine.

What happens if you don't do this is the rings aren't pressed against the
cylinder walls by the gas pressure (and decel vac) and never seat. Then
blow by past the top rings starts, which carbons up the oil control ring
and you have an engine that uses oil. There is NO reason to "Be easy" on a
modern plain bearing engine because there are no bearings that require
"breaking in" and the camshaft surfaces are worn in before it reaches
operating temp. The pistons rings are what need breaking in and being easy
on it is the WORST thing you can do! It probably is best to dump the first
load of oil even sooner than 500 miles but I'd never recommend waiting
longer than that.

--

Steve

http://www.atlantaracing.com

fred70

Hi Bob,

I have a friend who owns a 2003 Pathfinder and is having the exact same problem (burning 1 litre for ever 400-500 kms). He has had no luck with the dealer, been there repeatedly since it was new, and has all records. Could you send me a contact for Nissan Canada that was able to help you? It would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Fred