New owner questions about "engine break-in"
08-23-2004, 10:19 PM
#1
8th Gear
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Location: new york, ny
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New owner questions about "engine break-in"
hey guys!
im glad i found this forum.. i just purchased a brand new 04 TL. its ready for delivery on thursday. my questions is how do you guys generally break in your new TL ? i've heard never go over for the first 500 miles... im just curious since you guys are experts.
im glad i found this forum.. i just purchased a brand new 04 TL. its ready for delivery on thursday. my questions is how do you guys generally break in your new TL ? i've heard never go over for the first 500 miles... im just curious since you guys are experts.
08-23-2004, 10:33 PM
#3
Not a Blowhole
A Search would reveal tons of techniques and opinions, ranging from an egg on the accelerator to drive it like you stole it. Like most things, the truth is somewhere in between.
1) Brakes: For first 200 miles, avoid heavy braking. Suburband driving is perfect for bedding in new pads and rotors, as there are heat cycles followed by cooling cycles. If you live in the boonies, then find a low-traffic area, and brake firmly from 45 mph, drive 1/2 mile, brake firmly, drive 1/2 mile, for about 6 cycles. Then, just drive normally, avoiding panic stops. The goal is to make sure that the outgassing of "green" pads does not cause a coating on the rotors or the pads themselves.
2) Engine: No full throttle or VTEC for first 600 miles. Drive moderately, neither too slow nor too aggresively. Important to keep engine RPM varied over the 1500-5000 RPM range. Since the TL automatic likes to go to 5th, you may have to go to select shift to vary the gears. Worst thing is to get on the highway and set the cruise for 70 and drive for hours - you will not bed in the rings, cams, and cylinder bore.
3) Oil change: Honda uses an factory fill with high amounts of molybdenum disulphide (MOSO2) and ZDP. Changing to an SL-rated oil too soon will delay break-in, and can vause excessive wear by the shearing of asperties rather than their honing. If you must change the oil before 4000 miles or so (Acura says wait for the service indicator, but I believe the oils may not make it that long), add a bottle of Valvoline MaxLife Engine Protector to the mineral-based oil of your choice, as it has addtive chemistry that closely mimics the factory fill.
In the future, a Search first or checking the 3G garage will answer commonly asked questions.
if you are interested in other details around lubrication, search on The RR Journals for what some consider useful info from a tribologist.
1) Brakes: For first 200 miles, avoid heavy braking. Suburband driving is perfect for bedding in new pads and rotors, as there are heat cycles followed by cooling cycles. If you live in the boonies, then find a low-traffic area, and brake firmly from 45 mph, drive 1/2 mile, brake firmly, drive 1/2 mile, for about 6 cycles. Then, just drive normally, avoiding panic stops. The goal is to make sure that the outgassing of "green" pads does not cause a coating on the rotors or the pads themselves.
2) Engine: No full throttle or VTEC for first 600 miles. Drive moderately, neither too slow nor too aggresively. Important to keep engine RPM varied over the 1500-5000 RPM range. Since the TL automatic likes to go to 5th, you may have to go to select shift to vary the gears. Worst thing is to get on the highway and set the cruise for 70 and drive for hours - you will not bed in the rings, cams, and cylinder bore.
3) Oil change: Honda uses an factory fill with high amounts of molybdenum disulphide (MOSO2) and ZDP. Changing to an SL-rated oil too soon will delay break-in, and can vause excessive wear by the shearing of asperties rather than their honing. If you must change the oil before 4000 miles or so (Acura says wait for the service indicator, but I believe the oils may not make it that long), add a bottle of Valvoline MaxLife Engine Protector to the mineral-based oil of your choice, as it has addtive chemistry that closely mimics the factory fill.
In the future, a Search first or checking the 3G garage will answer commonly asked questions.
if you are interested in other details around lubrication, search on The RR Journals for what some consider useful info from a tribologist.
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