What is “break-in”, and when is it over?
Break-in is the initial period of running time for a new or rebuilt engine when the rings and bearings are “wearing in” so they make a good fit, and in the case of the rings – so they seal properly against the cylinder walls. In order to allow a “tight” engine to break-in properly (ie without any metal-to-metal contact at tight spots which could cause permanent damage) it is usually not fully loaded for long periods and kept at medium temperature. Until the rings are sealing properly against the cylinder walls the engine will tend to burn a bit more oil than it will when fully broken in… therefore break-in is over when the rings are sealing properly against the cylinder walls and oil consumption has dropped to its lowest point and is remaining stable. A normal break-in period for a new or rebuilt Universal or Westerbeke engine is usually around 100 hours. Do not use synthetic oil or oil additives during the break-in period.
Related Questions
- When an unlawful break-in of a structure, such as a cabin or summer home which is occupied for only part of a year, occurs, and a theft or felony is committed, how is this crime classified and scored?
- Is there a break-in period for saddles, much like boots on a person, for example?
- Can Spectro Motor-Guard be used as break-in oil?
