I've got about 300 miles on my TL and have let the engine rev to 5000 RPM a couple of times. This hasn't been on jack rabbit starts and has not been overly aggressive - I haven't floored it yet - just accelerated a little longer in third (I think it was third...).

I've read on other threads that you should not exceed 4000 RPM during the break in period. Is this true? If so, what are the results of exceeding 4000? Does any damage occur?

Generally speaking, what would true aggressive driving - jack rabbit starts, revs to 6000, etc. - do to an engine before the break in periond ends? I haven't driven it like this. I've just let it rev to about 5000 a couple of times. But I'm curious.

 

Engine break in periods are highly overated. Your TL was redlined multiple times before it was even delivered.

Brake break-in is more important as you don't want to do any ultra hard stopping until they're worn in a little.

 

I'm curious about this break in period thing. Can anyone comment on why this is necessary and what can result from aggressive driving before the 600 mile mark.

 

Lots of threads have discussed this topic, you may get more detailed/interesting answers for yourself. Search "break in" would help.

I believe many manufacturers have revved engines high before they really put them into production lines. However, they might test it without the 3600 lb+loads, and they might run your engine solely under some special environment. Yes, BMW said the same thing you can WOV your new car 'cause they in Germany have done it in the factory. Your decision.

However, if you'd like to make your car, suspension, and brakes go a little smoother, quieter, and better in the future, why not takes a merely 600-1000 miles to ease your 04TL, and spend some time to investigate/enjoy the quality and features, and be familiar with them.

No harsh acceleration, no sudden brake, don't stay in same RPM for a long time, don't drive over 100mph or 4000RPM in this period. Some Acura dealers may suggest you the 10k mile break-in period, or do whatever you want. It's your choice to make a decision.

My friend leases 04TL, doesn't care anything.

my 2cent.

 

RTFM!

 

OK, you got me. What does RTFM stand for?

 

I think I just got it. I did read the manual - cover to cover. It was very vague on the break in period. No detail info. I was hoping for some from your experiences.

 

I talked to my Dad, an Industrial Engineer, about the break-in. He said that, based on his experience with building large machines, what's happening is that the engine components aren't finely honed at production (although to the touch they'd feel smooth). The "rough" portions come off during the break-in and while suspended in the oil are what finishes the components to their final degree of smoothness (that's the reason Acura tells us not to change the oil early). If you stress the car too much prior to completion of this honing process (i.e. the break-in period), larger than normal portions of the rough portions could be produced which would score the component surface abnormally (I'm sure that one or two incidents of stress wouldn't produce enough of these extra large pieces to affect the process).

This has to be the process because there are no machines available than can hone the components to the required degree of smoothness. Additionally, because each car is different each car gets a customized honing job, which could otherwise never be done.

Dad also said not to get obsessed with the break-in & that there should be enough variation in rpm's during highway driving so that shouldn't be a problem (as some have questioned).

 

jmichaelp - just the kind of info I was looking for! Excellent post! This is why discussion boards like this have tremendous value.

 

Thank Georgia Tech for the education & the Navy for putting him through school

 

jmichaelp,

Hey, you have a great one to show you the knowledge. It's the very thorough info. I appreciate it.

 

The reason you want to vary speed is mostly because the connecting rods have "stretch" and at a constant rpm they would stretch the same amount and the wearing in of the cylinder wall would look (under a microscope!) like a step rather than a smooth curve from point of most wear to point where there is no wear at the top of the cylinder. By varying rpm the piston goes a tiny bit further or less far up and down based on rpm and therefore wears in without a step.

 

how hard is ultra hard? some guy (on the phone) suddenly hit the brakes, and i had to slightly hit mine...tried not to put a lot of pressure when i did though...