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Old 05-25-2000, 03:41 PM   #1
Tim K.
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Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Sumter, SC
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2014 Massey Ferguson
Red

Post Can I use synthetic oil while breaking in my engine?

At issue for a long time is when synthetic lubricants should first be used in a new car, and whether breaking in an engine on synthetic actually makes a difference. And this also raises another, more mechanical question: Do today’s engines need a conventional break-in period, or are they sufficiently run-in at the factory? And for how long should a rebuilt engine be broken in before using a synthetic?

Answers vary. Amsoil’s Norm Bauer claims new vehicle engines are considered broken-in when the customer purchases them.

Some engines today are filled at the factory with synthetic. “However,” Amsoil’s Bauer added, “because synthetics significantly reduce friction, they may prevent the engine from really wearing to the point where rings get seated, which you want. So, yes, you can use synthetics from the start, but it is better to change the oil every 500 miles for one or two changes, before switching to synthetics.”

Jim Burke at Mobil differed, stating that you can start using synthetic oil in new vehicles at any time. “Current engine manufacturing technology does not require a break-in period on petroleum (based oils),” he says. Indeed, Mobil 1 has been factory-fill oil for Chevy’s Corvette LS1, LT1, and LTS engines of the last seven years, plus all Porsches manufactured at Zuffenhausen receive Mobil 1. But GM dry-fires those engines, and Porsche bench-runs theirs, as well. BMW switched to synthetic as factory-fill for all their new U.S. market cars as of 1997 production. BMW engines also endure a short test without coolant for verification of engine sealing and electrical diagnosis. In addition, the 1,200 mile oil service on new BMWs disappeared after that change in 1997. BMW has found absolutely no problem in breaking-in their engines on synthetic oils, and takes no special measures to them do so when using synthetics.

Matt Hartford, at piston ring manufacturer Total Seal, said many manufacturers dry-fire new engines at their assembly plants with just a lightweight oil, for the specific task of roughly seating rings and other contact surfaces.

Dave Grinquist, from synthetic manufacturer Red Line, adds that new cars generally have quick-seating rings and cylinder walls. He also noted that there are few problems with rings seating in modern cars, even when broken in on synthetic.

“Many car manufacturers feel that there is less damage to the components from these break-in wear particles than from using the wrong lubricant,” says Grinquist. “But you must understand they’re more interested in reducing catastrophic problems during the warranty period than in achieving 300,000 miles. Removing wear metals will enhance the life of the components, and filters are too coarse to do the job. A high quality lubricant replaced after break-in will always extend life.”

Yet, that conventional “break-in” period is becoming a more and more rare. “The rebuilt engine is a different story,” Grinquist says. “The cylinders’ hone and type of rings used are critical to proper break-in; the better antiwear properties fo many synthetics might turn a marginal situation into a problem. Whether it is a new engine or a rebuild, it’s more important to change the oil during break-in. A new engine is absolutely filthy and the only way to eliminate these abrasives is to change the oil, and do so sooner rather than later. With most rebuilt engines we find that 3,000 miles is satisfactory for break-in.”

So what does all that mean? It essentially means the engines are mostly broken in at the factory, but Subaru still recommends engine speed and vehicle speed limitations. Most manufacturers position on breaking-in new engines with synthetics is, effectively, “no problem.” But as for a rebuilt engine with honed or overbored cylinders , you should ask the manufacturer of the piston rings you use or your engine builder.

Next installment:

1) What is synthetic oil?
2) Is synthetic oil safe for my seals?
3) Can I switch back and forth from synthetics to petroluems?
4) What oil change intervals should I use?
5) What are the benefits of synthetic oils?

Regards,

Tim Kadar
(info perused from several different magazines, articles, etc.)
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Old 05-25-2000, 04:43 PM   #2
Catfish
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Post

I must ask, why would you want to do this? First of all, synthetics are much more expensive than conventional oil. Since you are breaking in the engine, this oil will need to be changed after a few hundred miles. That's a big waste of good synthetic and $$. If good 'ol crude can do the job, why tamper with it? You bought the car and it had oil in it right? Just use that for the break-in period, and switch to synthetic afterwards.

Dave
'00 2.5RS Sedan
'72 Datsun 240Z
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Old 05-25-2000, 04:59 PM   #3
Templar
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Post

Cool Info Tim. Good luck at the Auto Cross this weekend. Kick some Ass for those of us who will be at the WNC meet on Saturday.
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Old 05-25-2000, 07:09 PM   #4
Tim K.
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Post

Dave,

The question posed above is one that has been asked several times on this board. Recently, I have gathered enough information to answer the question adequately for others. Hopefully, you read the post completely and noticed it is an informative narrative aimed at answering this question, and the question of whether our vehicles even require a break-in period.

The topic question was chosen to define the subject of the post. Furthermore, it addresses the issue of when to switch to synthetic oil and when one should initially change the oil.

The first paragraph even specifies why such a question may be asked; "At issue for a long time is when synthetic lubricants should first be used in a new car, and whether breaking in an engine on synthetic actually makes a difference. And this also raises another, more mechanical question: Do today’s engines need a conventional break-in period, or are they sufficiently run-in at the factory? And for how long should a rebuilt engine be broken in before using a synthetic?"

The narrative continues to answer each issue brought forth in the initial paragraph. Also, some people are more interested in the reasoning behind a decision instead of merely shrugging their shoulders and saying, "...it had oil in it right? Just use that for the break-in period..." I prefer to make reasonable, informed decisions whenever possible. The information posted allowed me to do exactly that, by sharing it with the board others will be able to reach their own conclusions.

After reading your post, it is difficult to believe you read and comprehended the post preceding yours. If you have the opportunity, reread it and it will answer many of the questions you asked in your post.

The only question I don't think I addressed is the cost of synthetics. Yes, synthetic is more expensive then petroleum, but to some the price of admission is negligible and to others they feel the benefits outweigh the costs.

Regards,

Tim Kadar

[This message has been edited by Tim K. (edited May 25, 2000).]
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Old 05-25-2000, 08:21 PM   #5
Mel 22B
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Post

Engine???
I thought the title said 'Girlfriend'. I was all ready to help you out.

-Mel
(On my way to being the first person kicked off the board)
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Old 05-26-2000, 05:00 AM   #6
Dan00RS
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Talking

BWAHAHAHAHAHA Mel 22B!!!!! You funny guy!!!

Seriously though, the standard break-in period is 1000 miles and you want to run natural oil. Although the Senior Master Subaru Technician at my dealer told me that you could run synthetic anytime and it won't make a difference. So I guess opinions will vary. But I say save your money for the first 3000 miles (what I am doing) then go synthetic if you desire.
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Old 05-26-2000, 07:13 AM   #7
Tim K.
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Red

Post

Mel,

The question runs deeper then merely, "Can I use synthetic oil while breaking in my girlfriend?" These issues then bring up concerns about what to use with the wife, what happens when you make certain modifications, upgrades, etc. I wont even mention honing and boring - oops, I did.

Regards,

Tim K.
(once again exercising no self-control)

On a serious note, should the initial posts be included in the FAQs section?
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Old 05-26-2000, 09:19 AM   #8
Catfish
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72 Datsun 240Z

Post

OK, I confess, I must not have read this carefully enough the first time. Please accept my humble apologies.

I totally agree with Dan00RS BTW.

Dave
'00 2.5RS Sedan (Still using conventional until 3000mi. like the manual says)
'72 Datsun 240Z (Broken in on conventional, switched to synthetic ~500mi.)
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Old 05-26-2000, 10:11 AM   #9
SteveS
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Post

Tim K ~~ Mind if I use your post on my site? I'd like to include it in a FAQ, giving you full credit of course. Let me know.

Thanks!

SteveS
http://www.lagging.com/
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Old 05-26-2000, 10:23 AM   #10
Tim K.
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Member#: 214
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Sumter, SC
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2014 Massey Ferguson
Red

Post

Steve,

I would be more than happy for you to use the information on your site. However, it would be a stretch to give me full credit. As you can tell, large parts of the posts were "lifted" from various sources and combined to make something coherent from them. I can claim some conjuctive phrases, but not too much more than that. I guess you can give me credit as the typist...

Regards,

Tim Kadar
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Old 05-26-2000, 10:53 AM   #11
SteveS
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Post

Thanks Tim. I understand that you researched the information. Think of it as being a reporter. You attributed quotes, which is the most important part.
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Old 05-26-2000, 11:31 AM   #12
Mel 22B
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Post

Sorry for the sidetrack.
Tim K.,
hehehe

-Mel
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