Engine break-in before towing
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Engine break-in before towing
Hi all, new to the forum. Have an '09 350 Lariat 6.4L and need to tow. What is the recommended break-in period before you tow. Dealer said these are built to tow so don't worry about it... but I am. Had a few Dodge Cummins and they needed some breaking in first. My heaviest trailer is 8500# loaded - need to tow this weekend. Only have +/-500 miles on it so far.
Thank you
Kevin
Thank you
Kevin
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Sorry I was looking at the 2008 manual. I personally would wait at least 2000 miles before towing. I just would not want to push a new engine and break it in easy for a couple thousand miles and then work the heck out of it.
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From: Frederick, MD
i'd tow it, just avoid the WOT and take it easy. Did my first tow at 600 miles from maryland to boston with 10K on it. Over 900 mile round trip.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Greenwood, SC
Hey, if you have to, you have to. 8500K is not that big of a deal for these trucks but you are pushing it a bit. Really try to take it easy and consider using some cetane additive to try to minimize the stress on the DPF. I use the Motorcraft stuff, 4oz./tank.
I read somewhere on this forum that the DPF is "pre-conditioned" for the first 750 miles of usage. I have no idea what this means but it seems that there is something about it seasoning itself so that it becomes a properly working system. I can see that you could possibly load the DPF with a lot of soot too soon in its life cycle.
It's hard to pin down any facts about this thing. It seems kind of finicky.
I read somewhere on this forum that the DPF is "pre-conditioned" for the first 750 miles of usage. I have no idea what this means but it seems that there is something about it seasoning itself so that it becomes a properly working system. I can see that you could possibly load the DPF with a lot of soot too soon in its life cycle.
It's hard to pin down any facts about this thing. It seems kind of finicky.
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Thanks all. My manual says 500 before tow and vary the speed up to 1000 miles. But it also quotes that these engines don't need that much break-in - hence my thread looking for real world experienced owners. I'll drive to a far away customer tomorrow and say hello and put on a few hundred more. 
Then I'll have about 800 miles. Its a windy twisty road on the first tow anyway so taking it easy with a 35' trailer shouldn't be a problem. Can't wait to see how this beast does.
Then I'll have about 800 miles. Its a windy twisty road on the first tow anyway so taking it easy with a 35' trailer shouldn't be a problem. Can't wait to see how this beast does.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Greenwood, SC
Have fun and your truck is well described as a beast. Power is great but the stability is the real deal. Don't forget to check your 7-pin connections. The TowCommand system will yell at you if there is a bad ground somewhere in your trailer. Also, confirm that the trailer battery charge power has a fuse in it. It's in the fuse cluster under the hood next to the brake master.
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New User
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Have fun and your truck is well described as a beast. Power is great but the stability is the real deal. Don't forget to check your 7-pin connections. The TowCommand system will yell at you if there is a bad ground somewhere in your trailer. Also, confirm that the trailer battery charge power has a fuse in it. It's in the fuse cluster under the hood next to the brake master.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
Factory TBC is great, you will like it's intergration with the brake system and the Trans in the tow/haul mode.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Greenwood, SC
I concur on the factory TBC system. I was used to cheap add-on ones and they always were "hyperactive" and jittery, braking now is smoooooth. Sometimes you wonder if the brakes are working. Very nice system.