5.0 engine break-in
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,274
Likes: 4
From: Seattle area
Unless Ford has changed their recommended procedure, I think they have a 500 or 1,000 mile break in period. But it’s not for the engine, it’s for the rear diff gears...if I’m remembering the what’s in the manual.
Given how you’ll get 10 different suggestions from 10 different users, I don’t think there’s any magical or dangerous methods outside of those that generally induce more wear. Personally, I follow the manual and change my oil early to get rid of the break-in metals.
Given how you’ll get 10 different suggestions from 10 different users, I don’t think there’s any magical or dangerous methods outside of those that generally induce more wear. Personally, I follow the manual and change my oil early to get rid of the break-in metals.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
The idea has always been to avoid glazing the cylinders over, because it is basically a permanent condition. There's only a limited window to avoid that possibility. Excessive idling would do it. Moderate to full throttle accelerations, while under load, is the only way to seat the piston rings firmly against the cylinder walls. Deceleration engine braking splashes oil on the cylinder walls washing them down. Alternate between the two. Steady cruising on level ground is a no load condition, or near enough, to be avoided.
But that's all way old school routine from cast iron ring days. Engines may well already be run in these days, and ring design and materials and cylinder finishes are definitely different. I'd still probably do it, because it can't hurt anything.
But that's all way old school routine from cast iron ring days. Engines may well already be run in these days, and ring design and materials and cylinder finishes are definitely different. I'd still probably do it, because it can't hurt anything.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
https://www.enginebuildermag.com/201...the-right-way/
“The cylinder pressure from 50 to 75 percent and eventually to 100 percent load will place additional pressure on the back side of the rings which will quickly establish the proper wear pattern for seating. With today’s rings, especially moly-faced versions, this can be achieved in a very short period of time and certainly within 20 to 30 miles of street driving. In WOT dyno testing, likely the rings are seated by the end of the first few runs.”
The video is for a guy who blew up his 2018 twin turbo 5.0. The engine shop that built his engine had some good advice for him.
“The cylinder pressure from 50 to 75 percent and eventually to 100 percent load will place additional pressure on the back side of the rings which will quickly establish the proper wear pattern for seating. With today’s rings, especially moly-faced versions, this can be achieved in a very short period of time and certainly within 20 to 30 miles of street driving. In WOT dyno testing, likely the rings are seated by the end of the first few runs.”
The video is for a guy who blew up his 2018 twin turbo 5.0. The engine shop that built his engine had some good advice for him.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Newport News, VA
Break-in? Never done that. I always break it in like I plan on driving it! Hell I topped 100 mph in my 2016 Mustang GT Premium, leaving the lot for the first time! As I hit the entrance ramp to the highway, I floored it! Man what a rush! Never had a problem!
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 60
From: N. Illinois
I agree. I have run at least a dozen trucks off the lot, got right on the interstate, and pegged cruise at 72 for 5-1/2 hours, and NEVER had an issue, or burned an ounce of oil. Now this 2018 was varied for 1,500 miles, broke in Sport Mode a few times, and... well... you know the rest. I guess the new cylinder coating might make some difference?
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