Running in new recon diesel engine , how many miles?

[johnyev]

I have searched but to no avail yet, also don't have the engine recon details on me, so come on guru's,how many miles, revs , distance to first oil change, then 2nd oil change. Etc etc?

I will contact the recon people but would appreciate others opinions and experience its based on.

I'm planning 1000 miles oil and filter change, 3000 mile oil and filter change, then as recomended as standard( from memory 5000 miles)

I plan to use synthetic and am assuming that's what is in it although it could well be different for the break in.

All opinions appreciated plus links to previous threads.

Thanks John

[binky]

You're in the hands of the engine builder regarding tolerances. There is little need to bed in 'modern' engines but perhaps you will be more circumspect with a rebuild on an older block. Your proposed schedule would seem wise, changing oil is cheaper than changing engines. Do the first change at about 500-600 miles though; it will give you a chance to check for coolant or metal in the oil. Rebuilds leave small amounts of old grease, human skin, atmospheric dust and other contaminants in the engine, removed at the first change.

After bed-in, the need to change oil depends on the service life of the engine; short runs, cold running etc all require shorter oil change intervals. Incidentally, modern cylinders don't fully bed in for some thousands of miles, and the advice is not to lug the engine, or run it at low or constant revs during this period (for battery charging) as this can glaze bores, leading to high oil consumption and low compression.

After the initial oil change drive it 'normally' if possible, without under-revving.

There has been some discussion whether synth is 'worse' than mineral based oil for the initial fill, the thoughts being that synthetic was somehow 'too good' and prevented the necessary wear of piston ring and cylinder wall to achieve a good seat, but there's no evidence (I have seen) to support this. Almost all new cars have an initial fill of synthetic base oil. The biggest problem with new diesel engines is often over-pampering, and slow revving, leading to glazed bores, and occasionally crank bearing damage.

[DanO]

I've not had one on the Bongo but had one on my VW T25. Becareful as you void the warranty if you don't abide to their conditions. Mine was an oil/filter change at 500 miles, and it had to go back to the garage that I got it done through. I would void the warranty if I did it!

[321Away]

As said above. running in is no longer a necessity, but if you do the engine will last longer, bit like doing an initial 8hr charge, then full discharge on a battery, will always work as it should but wont last as long.

Agree change oil at 500 miles, better to be safe than sorry! what you will find is most engine builders will slip in a couple of crafty thermal indicator discs at various points.

Julian