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    Breaking in a recon'd engine

    Ford Ford Advice Ford Falcon Ford Falcon Advice Ford Falcon 1984
    How long should it take to break in the reconditioned engine in my 1984 XE Falcon, and what is meant by 'Breaking-in' an Engine? When should the 10W-30 oil be changed? Can I then start on the 20W-50, which is what was used before the reco.
    Answered by CarsGuide
    19 August 2010
    Graham Smith

    'Breaking in', sometimes also called 'running in', is the period when components in the engine, like the rings and bearings, work in the surfaces they are in contact with. That's the rings with the cylinder bores, the bearings with the crankshaft, the cam bearings with the camshaft etc. It's best in that time that you don't drive it hard under load or at high speed, and it's a good idea to vary the engine speed so you're not driving it at the same speed all the time. Engines in today's new cars don't need much running in at all, according to the carmakers, but older engines do and it's a good idea to give them 1000 to 1500 km to settle in. Swap oils at the end of that period and you could use a 20W-50 oil at that time.

     

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