Do I need to break in the engine after repair? If you ask a similar question, you can hear a variety of opinions in response ... Some "experts" argue that modern engines do not need running in: "Everything is done there with such accuracy that there is nothing to run in." Another minder will say that it is possible to break in the engine with high quality only on a special stand, under instrument control. Which of them is right?
We will try to clarify this issue based on practical considerations.
Firstly, running after repair is required!
Despite the progress of technology, even if all dimensions are precisely maintained and the highest possible surface quality is obtained, the running-in of engine parts is inevitable. After starting the engine, there is a "leveling" of roughness on the surfaces of the parts, which takes some time. In addition, no matter how diligently, with the greatest possible cleanliness, they did not assemble the motor after repair - it is impossible to remove all contamination from the surfaces of parts. And they are finally removed just during the break-in.
Secondly, bench running is the best solution.
However, motor brake testers are rare and are mainly used for testing engines. However, even renting such equipment greatly increases the cost of repairs.
Therefore, the most common practice is to install a repaired engine on a car and break it in already in motion. And here the most common mistake is to start the engine after repair and leave it to idle for a long time. It turns out that the car is standing still, and the freshly assembled motor runs for hours ...
Is it possible to do so?
It is forbidden! A short idling of the engine, after repair, is needed only for the initial check and adjustment. It is unacceptable to “drive” the motor for hours in this way, since engine damage is inevitable. Why? Because, at idle, the crankshaft bearings, and other friction pairs, are poorly supplied with oil, since the oil pump does not work “at full strength”.
The fact is that oil, among other things, also removes heat from the parts, that is, it cools them.
So it turns out that the oil supply to the friction pairs is insufficient, and precisely at the moment when, due to running-in, the parts heat up more than usual. In addition, when the oil pressure is low, the oil channels are poorly washed. And the dirt left after the repair - metal dust and other wear products - are not washed out of them, but remain in the lubrication system and then “introduce” into the surface of parts, especially those made of light alloys. In addition, the motor does not cool properly also due to the fact that it is not blown by the oncoming air flow.
As many years of experience show, in the first 6 hours of engine operation, the wear of running-in parts is very high! Then, from 7 to 10 hours, the wear processes slow down. And after 15 hours of engine operation, wear processes enter their “normal” limits. Therefore, it is necessary to run the engine in motion very carefully.
- the first 600 km (10 hours) drive, if possible, with a minimum load and at medium engine speeds - from 1/4 to 2/3 of the gas pedal position (but, at the same time, avoid low speeds - driving under tension);
- after 600 km of run and up to 1000 km, it is already possible to “twist” the engine calmly in second or third gear, for 2-3 seconds, up to about 1000 rpm less than the nominal ones. The engine does not need to be "turned until it rings" when running. Because at high speeds, the inertial forces in the crank mechanism are higher than gas forces. In particular, therefore, the piston rings, at the top and bottom dead centers, are displaced more than usual, thereby increasing wear;
- on a run of more than 1000 km, it is already possible to go to the highway, gradually increasing both the speed and the load on the engine, until the engine begins to easily respond to the gas pedal. But even here it is worth keeping the speed 20-30 km / h below the maximum, and even better - 40-50 km / h less than the “maximum speed”.
Do not forget about the constant check of the oil level in the engine during break-in - due to increased consumption.
Be sure to check the oil level and add it, if necessary, after the first 50-100 km of run. And then check the level regularly over the next 500 ... 1000 km of run. During this time, all the dirt and wear products that have accumulated in the engine during break-in will eventually end up in the oil and oil filter. Therefore, after 1000 ... 1200 km of run, it is imperative to change both the engine oil and the oil filter.
One more note: both for running-in and for subsequent operation, it is worth using the same grade of oil.
The idea of using cheaper oil for break-in is bad, there is no benefit from it. The momentary savings can turn into subsequent serious expenses.
We hope that these simple rules will help you achieve long and reliable operation of the repaired engine.
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Does a new car need a break-in or not? Both drivers and representatives of engineering companies have been arguing on this topic for many years. Someone says that the tests that the car passes at the factory are more than enough. Others argue that the machine consists of hundreds of various nodes, and in order for this whole system to work like a clock, you need to run in.
In fact, most car parts do not need to be broken in. Modern technologies make it possible to achieve exceptionally precise interaction of all spare parts. The only exception is the engine. This is the most important part of the car, and it is the one that most needs additional exposure.
Every attentive motorist will have a question, what are the representatives of the companies arguing about? In fact, there are two camps in any automobile enterprise. The first includes technical specialists. Their task is extremely simple. The car should last as long as possible without any breakdowns.
Managers are another matter. Their task is to sell the car, and what will happen to it, as it were, is not their problem. No, do not think, the company always gives a guarantee on the car. Moreover, the driver can even choose the unit of measurement: kilometers or years.
In 99 percent of cases, the car passes the declared distance. But what will happen next? Running in helps to significantly extend the life of the car. The main thing is to do everything according to the instructions, and the vehicle will serve you for a long time.
Process physics
To understand why running-in is needed, let's look at the process from the inside. In the process of work, the parts are rubbed against each other. This is necessary first of all in order for the bearings to start working as efficiently as possible. The same goes for cylinders and pistons.
Many experts will argue that there is an oil film, and it will definitely protect all parts of the car from breakage. No doubt they will be right, but not completely. The fact is that the oil coating has an extremely low reliability and “breaks” under high loads. As a result, the parts take damage and wear out faster.
To prevent premature wear, the car needs to be run in. In the process of driving according to a clearly defined algorithm, all components and spare parts of the car are polished to a mirror finish.
Car manufacturers are aware of this effect. Therefore, a cold run-in is done at the factory. Servo drives allow you to significantly increase the conjugation of parts. But even the most modern equipment does not give the same effect as running in.
Running in a car
Instruction
To break in a car, you need to drive at least 500 kilometers. Some car experts say that even 300 is enough, but it's better not to risk it. At the same time, in order for the pairing of parts to be maximum, the following instructions must be followed:
Of course, there are many recommendations for running in a car, and all of them must be followed if you want the car to serve faithfully for many years. However, remember one paradigm. The main thing in the break-in is smoothness, avoid any sharp turns, quick acceleration and hard braking.
Running in the transmission
Running in the transmission of a car is also very important. The fact is that this device directly interacts with the engine, and in order for the systems to work in unison, you must follow a few simple rules:
- Avoid off-road.
- For the first five hundred kilometers, forget about the front axle.
- Until the car has traveled 800 km, do not use the trailer.
- Hard braking is strictly prohibited.
Only four rules in the first eight hundred kilometers will allow you to achieve perfect synergy between engine and transmission.
We extend the life of the car
To extend the life of a car, in addition to running in, you need to take care of high-quality fuels and lubricants. Refuel only at approved stations. Give preference to filling stations of the same network. Use good oil.
If you do not have the opportunity to use high-quality fuel and lubricants. Let's say you often travel around Russia and refuel far from the city - think about additives.
Important! Visit service centers regularly. This procedure becomes especially relevant after the expiration of the warranty period.
What if you don't roll?
Every driver should know what threatens his car with a lack of running. Unfortunately, the whole point is that it is extremely difficult to “calculate” the benefits of this operation. The answer of official dealers, and not technical specialists, boils down to the fact that you can immediately operate the car at maximum speed.
Unfortunately, after 2-3 years it is extremely difficult to determine why the engine failed. Indeed, during the operation it is influenced by many factors, and it is difficult to find out which one led to a breakdown.
Important! For the first thousand kilometers, manufacturers recommend refraining from high loads, as this can lead to engine overheating.
However, even if you completely ignore the break-in of the car and immediately start driving at top speeds, nothing will happen. All that threatens you at first is increased oil consumption. But in the future, the lack of running-in can lead to premature wear of parts.
Advice! If you buy a car for 2-3 years, you definitely don’t need a break-in, but if you want to use it for at least 5-7 years, it’s better to show restraint in driving at least the first thousand kilometers.
If break-in is really effective, why didn't the engineering brands come up with a special mode
Modern cars are simply crammed with a variety of electronics. No wonder drivers are wondering why the engineering companies have not come up with a special mode of operation that could limit engine activity in the first thousand?
The answer to this question is best divided into two parts. In the first one, you need to tell that there is still a certain restrictive regime in modern cars, however, this is not a run-in, but the so-called transport program.
When the car is transported from the factory to the dealership, the saving mode is activated to save battery power. You can turn it off only at the dealership using special equipment.
On the other hand, the program that controls the running-in presents considerable complexity. The development of appropriate software and its implementation will cost a considerable amount, which will significantly increase the price of a car. It is much more practical to do the break-in yourself.
Attention! There is also a third aspect of this issue. But it is not customary to talk about it. Automobile companies are interested in buying new models from them, and for this, old ones must fail.
Results
Of course, it is difficult to prove the effectiveness of running-in. Since no company is interested in conducting expensive studies to document the effectiveness of this procedure. But for drivers who want their car to last a long time, it is better to be careful in the first thousand kilometers.
Question from a reader:
« Good afternoon I really like reading your blog, it is written in an accessible, simplified way.
My question is - we bought a new engine for a nine, can you give some advice, rules on how to drive with a purely new engine, we change it ourselves, at home. Thanks Diana»
I had a general article about, read it, but today the article is about the engine, read on ...
The engine is the most complex unit in a car. In its structure there are a lot of rubbing parts, bearings and bushings that operate at high temperatures and pressures, for their proper operation they need the right one - the final grinding, this is called - the right running in. When you buy a completely new car, you need to run in all components and assemblies, that is, a completely car. But there are also cases when you only need to run in a new engine, for example, like our reader. When running in, you need to follow a few simple rules:
1) Turnovers. In no case should a new engine be spun up; the maximum engine speed up to 3000 km of run should be 2500 rpm. Of course, the manufacturer indicates that he has already carried out the so-called cold run-in at the factory, but I think it is not enough. Do not exceed the speed and in the future your engine will not "eat" oil.
2) Avoid high gears on a new engine. That is, you should not drive with high gears, this is the fifth on the mechanics and the sixth on the machine. This is not a necessary load, for the first time 3000 kilometers, not recommended.
3). It is generally worth forgetting for the first 3000 kilometers, again, an extra load.
5) Avoid city traffic. For the first 300-500 kilometers, try not to drive around the city, because the city means constant acceleration and deceleration. It is ideal to go to an unloaded track and slowly (2500 rpm), drive the first 300 - 500 kilometers, it will be ideal for a new engine.
6) Engine oil. In the first 3000 kilometers, keep a close eye on the oil level, does it go away! After 3000, it is advisable to change the oil, since this oil will contain a lot of fine metal dust, and the oil will already be dark.
7) Do not go off-road, this is an extreme load - it is also not needed for your new engine.
8) Do not tow a trailer up to 3000 kilometers if you have one.
Follow these rules, pour in good engine oil (you shouldn’t save on it at all) and your engine will serve you for a very long time. The main thing to remember is 2500 rpm to 3000 kilometers, this is the golden rule. In general, 3000 kilometers is a certain specific feature, after which it is already possible to give the engine “heat”. However, remember up to 10,000 kilometers the engine can be dull, that is, not roll, not the same power, but after 10,000 kilometers the car will start to roll correctly, the engine will run smoother.
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Any assembled internal combustion engine, whether it is assembled at the factory, in a car service or in your own garage, must pass a certain period of time in a gentle operation mode. The plant recommends not to load the engine during the first 500-1000 kilometers, considering such a run sufficient for a break-in. Full running-in of the engine occurs after a run of about 3-5 thousand kilometers.
Running-in is also necessary after almost any opening of the engine, when any of its components were replaced. This can be a simple piston replacement, without replacing pistons, which is often practiced for restoration in the cylinders of a power plant. In this case, mating parts, such as new rings and cylinder walls, must be rubbed in.
Also, liners and supporting half rings of the crankshaft, intermediate shaft bushings and more can be replaced separately, everything that is done during an average engine repair.
Similar requirements apply to the repair of the block head, when camshafts, guide bushings and valve seats and the valves themselves, pushers, springs, rockers, etc. are replaced.
What is meant by the term bridging?
Running-in is an important period of putting an engine into operation, on which its reliability and durability depend.
The term “break-in” means that it is necessary to allow all rubbing pairs of the power plant to work with a minimum load in the initial period in conditions where they will work for the entire further service life.
At the first start of the motor, under the influence of friction, the pairs begin to rub against each other, taking on their finished form, the changes of which will only occur slightly as natural wear and tear.
How is the rolling process
The first hours of operation of the assembled motor are the most important for its further operation. At this time, the process of grinding in the piston rings begins, both to the piston grooves and to the cylinder mirror.
This is especially important when grinding rings and cylinder walls. The fact is that a special grid, the so-called hone, is applied to the cylinder mirror, which is necessary for the engine oil to remain on the cylinder wall as long as possible.
In the photo: pistons in the cylinder
On the piston rings, respectively, micro-cuts from the hone are also obtained, since they begin to contact the grid, sliding along the body of the cylinder.
For the crankshaft, its connecting rod and main journals are “alien” for the installed liners until they are mutually lapped.
The same can be said about the details of the block head, where the camshafts and their liners begin to contact, the valves in the guide bushings and seats, compensators in their sockets and with the body of the rockers, the springs to the plates of crackers.
General rules for break-in
The engine before the trip, when driving uphill, switch on a lower gear, keep the speed limit no more than 90-100 km / h, excluding aggressive driving style.
During the break-in period do not raise the speed above 3000 rpm and not more than 2500 rpm for diesel engines(depending on engine type from 1200 to 2500 rpm).
If possible, avoid traffic jams during rush hours, using morning and evening time for break-in, or break-in outside the city in highway mode.
For the first 500 kilometers, uniform movement is recommended so as not to put a load on the power unit and transmission. So on the first 50 kilometers you need to move at a speed of 40-50 km / h in 3rd gear. Then move at a speed of up to 70 km / h, switch to 4th gear, having passed the next 100-150 km in this way.
After each new 100 km of run, you can increase the speed by 10 km / h while moving in 4th gear.
On the second 500 km of running-in, it is desirable to pass in the highway mode using an increased 5th or 6th gear, raising the engine to 3000 rpm, including a lowered one on long climbs.
Also, avoid long engine idling, since in this mode there is no stable pressure in the oil line and friction pairs can “starve”, which is not acceptable until they get used to each other.
Breaking in the engine of a new car
It is believed that the motors of new machines have already been bench-tested at the factory and they do not require any restrictions. However, as mentioned above, the full break-in cycle ends after a run of 3-5 thousand kilometers.
On the factory engine, metal microparticles also appear from mutual friction against each other, when the parts have just begun to rub against each other.
Filling with fresh engine oil
If you do not replace the engine oil after the specified break-in periods, then metal microparticles will get into the working part of the liners, under the piston rings, into the oil pump elements, and other friction pairs, which will significantly reduce their service life.
The engine after the "capital"
It is especially necessary to carefully run the engine after repair in non-factory conditions, since even a large car service does not have all the capacities and necessary conditions for a full restoration of motors, as at a factory.
So after boring and honing the liners of the cylinder block, a part of the emulsion remains in its channels, which is supplied by the machine to the cutter for its cooling and microchips from processing the block, and all this will “come out” after starting the engine.
In the photo: honing of the cylinder block
It is considered necessary to wash the cylinder block after boring in a hot bath with a special solution in order to remove traces of microchips from the cylinder mirror and in open channels. In car services, this procedure is practically not performed anywhere.
On such motors, you can drain the oil and replace the oil filter after the first hundreds of kilometers in order to get rid of wear marks after boring and grinding from all friction pairs.
Cold running
If it is possible to use running water, the motor can be run in cold after a major overhaul. To do this, the coolant drain plug is unscrewed from the cylinder block, the water hose is inserted into the radiator or expansion tank. The engine starts. Water will constantly circulate in the block cooling system at a constant temperature, preventing the block and piston parts from heating up.
Taking into account the water consumption, it is possible to run the engine on a cold one within 1.5-2 hours.
A couple more words
Do not test the engine of a new car for its maximum until it has passed the minimum grinding period, as this can lead to an increase, knocking of the crankshaft liners and in the cylinder-piston group.
Since the break-in process is not visually visible or audible, some simply ignore this period, considering it insignificant. However, even when replacing the brake pads, their effectiveness will not be 100% until they rub against the plane of the brake disc, that is, they pass the same break-in period.
Therefore, do not force the engine at least for the first 1000 kilometers, and it will answer you for this with a period of long and reliable operation.
For a long time, there have been discussions in the world about the running in of a new or sorted one. What do you think, is it necessary to run in modern cars? Until a few years ago, the answer to this question was obviously yes. But with the advancement of the latest technologies in the automotive industry, more and more people are inclined to believe that it is not necessary to break in the engine. Let's find out if we really need to run in?
Firstly, whether to break in the engine or not, each owner of the car decides for himself. For example, if someone has leased a car, then obviously he will most likely not take care of the engine. If the car is in our property, then we, as a rule, take good care of it. But is running-in of modern cars necessary?
Engineers and other experts say no. So, running is needed only for our psychological peace?
But why then in his manual for the operation of new cars directly recommends the first 1200 or 2000 km to limit the maximum engine speed (no more than 5500 rpm), and also not to exceed the speed of 170 km / h?
That is, BMW officially recognizes that engine running is needed until a certain mileage appears on the car's odometer.
BMW is not the only automaker that still recommends owners to follow the break-in regime. There are many other car brands that also advise in the user manual to break in the power unit of the car.
In this regard, we decided to look into this issue, and understand whether a run-in is still necessary or not. First, let's first find out what an engine break-in is and why a few years ago, without exception, all vehicle manufacturers obliged owners to spend a certain time on it.
The break-in process itself is the process of grinding the various components of the car together. For example, piston rings and cylinder walls must work together for a while, getting used to each other, before reaching optimal levels of interaction and performance. Until recently, no one questioned this fact. But today, many engineers and experts say that such grinding of engine components is no longer necessary. According to them, in the automotive industry, they allow today to achieve incredible precision in fitting components to each other. Microscopic precision, eliminates running-in.
Experts believe that in the past, drilling and other machines that were used in the manufacture of engines were not as accurate as they are today. As a result of the gaps between the parts, during the first 3000-5000 kilometers, engine parts, rubbing against each other, formed metal chips, polluting the engine oil.
Yes, today the tolerances between parts have become smaller, thanks to high-precision machine tools. But, nevertheless, this does not directly say that running is not needed. After all, there are still tolerances and errors. These days, the dimensions of the parts are also not perfect and probably never will be perfect in relation to each other.
In addition, the ideal interaction of engine parts is possible only after certain cycles of engine operation in a working (hot) state. That is, the metal components of the engine need a short time, during which they become optimal in relation to each other.
In general, as you can see, there is an opinion that running in is not needed, but there are many arguments in favor of the fact that running in is essential. And the debate in this area continues to this day.
So to unequivocally answer the question of whether an engine run-in is necessary, you will not be able to answer accurately. This requires expensive scientific research and long-term testing.
In general, modern engines, according to many engineers who work in automobile companies, need an average break-in of 1000 kilometers. In the past, break-in engines required many more miles to be driven before the powertrain could be safely used to its full potential.
But if you don’t want to believe that modern cars don’t need a break-in in principle, and want to be calm about the car’s engine, then we offer you that will keep your peace of mind after purchasing a new car or after rebuilding the engine.
Keep the engine speed at medium: Depending on which engine is in your car (gasoline or diesel), after buying a new car or after rebuilding the engine, you will have to limit the operation of the car at high speeds of the power unit for the first time. As a rule, diesel engines run at lower speeds. Therefore, if you have a gasoline model, then the first 1000 kilometers do not exceed 3500 rpm. If you have a diesel car, then do not exceed 2500 rpm.
Be careful with the gas pedal: The first 1000 km, be careful when working with the gas pedal. Try not to exceed the specified engine speed. Be especially careful when accelerating. Also consider your riding style for the first 1000 kilometers. You must remember that due to the limitation, you will not be able to take full advantage of the power of the motor. Therefore, when maneuvering on the road, take this into account so as not to create an emergency. For example, be careful when overtaking.
Try also not to drive at the minimum engine speed. Your task is to pass the optimal break-in within the first 1000 kilometers. By maintaining an average engine speed, you speed up the process of grinding in the piston rings and engine cylinders, as well as speed up their sealing process to each other. At the same minimum engine speed, you will not be able to make an optimal break-in in just 1000 km, since there will be no necessary high pressure, which is formed due to gases released in the process.
Change the oil after 100 kilometers: If you have the opportunity, we recommend that you change the engine oil after a run of 100-200 kilometers. As we said above, running-in is necessary so that the parts get used to each other and the factory gaps between them decrease, which are formed due to errors in the equipment used in the manufacture of engines. As a result of grinding, metal chips are formed. These pieces of metal are present in the new engine after 100 kilometers. By changing the engine oil, you will remove metal chips.
Ideally, you should also change your oil at about 1000-1500 km. Thus, you will completely clean the engine of metal elements that were formed as a result of grinding in new engine components. After a double change, your engine oil will be clean.
All these tips, of course, are primarily aimed at ensuring that you remain calm that nothing will happen to the car engine, and it will serve for a very long time.
But whether a run-in is really necessary cannot be given a definite answer. As we have already said, disputes in this area are still ongoing. Today, modern engines, of course, have become better, more efficient and more technologically advanced. Modern equipment allows you to create reliable and high-quality power units. The number of manufacturing defects in the engine manufacturing process was reduced by 12 times.
In recent years, however, the picture has not been very rosy. Most automakers create engines that only work reliably and efficiently. Further, the reliability of the motors begins to fall. Thus, car companies protect themselves from financial problems during warranty repairs. But after 3 years of operation of the car and a run of 100,000-150,000 km, the reliability of the power units leaves much to be desired.
Over the past few years, the number of complaints from car owners has increased exponentially. Most likely, many motorists will have to forget forever about rebuilding engines at high mileage. Alas, modern engines can no longer boast of a long service life.
So if you are going to use a new car for a very long time, then how you break in the engine will depend on its maximum resource. And even if scientists, experts and other specialists scientifically prove that engine break-in is not needed, for your peace of mind, you may still have to break in the first 1000-2000 km before you start using the engine at full power.
