Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
VanagonEuroVan
Subject:Re: Recommended Breakin method for new engine
From:Austin
Date:Thu, 20 May 1999 23:48:57 -0700

At 06:24 AM 5/19/99 -0400, you wrote:
>Vary the revs and load on the motor while keeping both at less than 70% of
>maximum. NO Jack-rabbit starts, high revs, low-speed lugging,
>long-sustained trips at the same speed for hours. Just varied medium duty.
>Don't baby it / don't punish it.
>
>After about 500 miles, change the oil, have the timing checked, and drive
>it however you want.
>
>G. Matthew Bulley

The theory is that giving the engine ~3/4 throttle pushes the rings against
the cylinders, helping them to seat; backing off the throttle creates
enough vacuum to pull oil back up to the rings for cooling/lubrication.
The best engine I've ever owned I broke in by taking a 2K trip through
rolling hills on a 2 lane road.

Austin

Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »