Notices

engine break in

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 10, 2005 | 09:10 PM
  #1  
woodsrider505's Avatar
woodsrider505
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Springfield,Mo
engine break in

Hello. I will be breaking in my 390 in a couple of weeks. How many miles should I run the engine before towing ( a thousand ?) and what weight oil should I use during the break in period? Also, what are your opinion's on "hard break in" I have Moly rings and forged pistons. We use the hard break in method on our 4 stroke motorcycles to seat the rings correctly and it really seems to work. Thanks for any help.
 
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2005 | 11:34 AM
  #2  
78fordman's Avatar
78fordman
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,833
Likes: 4
From: Jefferson, Iowa
I usually run the engine about 500 miles then start the hard breakin period and all of my stuff usually runs great.
 
Reply
Old Feb 11, 2005 | 11:46 AM
  #3  
rusty70f100's Avatar
rusty70f100
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
You'll probably get varying theories on this. Here's mine:

1. DONT FORGET THE CAM BREAK-IN!!! 2000-2500rpm's slowly varying, for 30 minutes. This is absolutely essential.

2. Use whatever weight and brand you plan to run in the engine. Avoid API SM rated oils, since they lack the additives necessary to protect your flat-tappet cam. I like to run 15w40 in my engines. Change the oil after the cam break-in, then in 100 miles, then at 3000 miles, then every 3000.

3. After you get the cam break-in done, make a few full-throttle starts with it. It helps to quickly seat the rings. Do this in the first 100 miles. Be particularly leery of strange noises. Dont do this until it's fully warmed up and the thermostat is opened though.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ted928
2004 - 2008 F150
9
Jul 1, 2016 12:19 PM
Shadow944795
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
6
Sep 29, 2015 07:46 PM
Buck Dharma Fan
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
20
Mar 26, 2015 07:21 AM
webster
Oil & Lubrication
3
May 29, 2007 10:35 AM
fordman428
Oil & Lubrication
8
Feb 22, 2004 09:34 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:46 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE