Why I support Nissan's break in period period

InnerDragon10 · 04-15-2014, 08:50 AM

Yes, another thread about the break in period. HOWEVER, I hope to shed an educated light on the debate. I work as a reliability engineer. A what? An engineer concerned with prolonging equipment life for an industrial plant. I've had training/certification in lubrication analysis, vibration analysis, infrared, bearings maintenance, electric motors, etc.

Nissan recommends the following:
During the first 1,200 miles follow these recommendations to obtain maximum engine performance and ensure the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle.

Avoid driving for long periods at constant speed, either fast or slow.
Do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
Avoid quick starts.
Avoid hard braking as much as possible

I agree with Nissan's 'slow and steady' break in period. Here's why. When breaking in an engine, it is really not likely that internal machine tolerances are THAT out of wack; Nissan has probably gotten pretty good at machined parts and fitment. If there are any slightly off spec tolerances, you would want them to wear in gently and evenly. A gentle break in period allows for this. If you run the engine like you stole it, you risk inducing stress concentrations in machined parts and microscopic fatigue/cracking in the metal. This fatigue will NOT be noticeable for quite some time. But give it thousands of miles and a couple years, and those cracks propogate; fatigued metal begins to spall (tiny chunks break off). Other engine parts need to wear themselves in as well, such as bearings. Again, there should be no unreasonable machine tolerances in a new engine. But machining processes are not perfect, so tiny imperfections may exist, and a gentle break in period allows components to wear in in a 'safer' manner.

"If you don't run it hard, you won't seat your rings and you'll lose power"
Honestly, I do not know about specific engine parts, nor have I worked on them. But I find it hard to believe that one must run an engine hard to get the (piston?) rings to seat properly.

"Gentle break in promotes carbon buildup! It'll kill your engine"
I HIGHLY doubt that a new engine will have ANY carbon deposits after 1,200 miles. If it does, we're talking about MINUTE amounts that will dissipate from spirited driving after the break in period. Unless you're just using absolute crap for gasoline (and I mean ABSOLUTE crap). Not to mention carbon deposits occur over time and are largely influenced by the maintenance you perform on your engine over its life.

Just my two cents

Hope it's informative to some.

Chuck33079 · 04-15-2014, 08:55 AM

Now we sit back and wait until someone posts that old mototune article about breaking in motorcycle engines that says to beat the hell out of them early and often.

osbornsm · 04-15-2014, 09:05 AM

Inb4

Chuck33079 · 04-15-2014, 09:06 AM

It's funny how engineers always support the breakin period, and guys who read stuff on the internet will tell you that breakin periods don't matter.

enkei2k · 04-15-2014, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

Now we sit back and wait until someone posts that old mototune article about breaking in motorcycle engines that says to beat the hell out of them early and often.

Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

?

Chuck33079 · 04-15-2014, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enkei2k

Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power

?

Yep. Doesn't everyone usually get all of their info from badly designed websites from the early 2000s rather than the engineers who designed the vehicle?

InnerDragon10 · 04-15-2014, 10:38 AM

Interesting - I did not know about the crosshatch pattern on cylinder bores to profile the piston rings. I noticed the website mentions that the first 20 miles are most critical to overall engine life. I picked my car up with 24 miles so... guess it doesn't matter?! In addition, I have a problem directly comparing motorcycle engines to car engines. Yes, they're the same concept.. but can one honestly assume that what's good for a bike is good for a car? 14,000-16,000RPM redline vs. 7500RPM redline? Different weights of the mechanical components, different pressures, etc. The website does offer compelling evidence though. The debate lives on... I'm sticking to my guns though

EDIT:
Something else I just thought about. Here in the industrial plants we have high speed gearboxes all over the place for equipment. Any of you that have replaced transmission/differential oil have probably wiped off the metal shavings that collect on%

Chuck33079 · 04-15-2014, 10:44 AM

That article is highly questionable as far as I'm concerned. I just posted it to head off the people who believe it. To confuse the issue more, who still changes the oil after the breakin period? I always do. The metal from the breakin process has to go somewhere, right? But I don't see this recommended anymore.

RoyaltyB · 04-15-2014, 10:52 AM

Just out of curiosity, and since I don't have my manual with me, does the manual specify a break in period? Is it part of the dealer checklist when selling the car? (not that the dealers know jack crap about our cars)

ZMan8 · 04-15-2014, 10:52 AM

I support the recommended break in

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

Chuck33079 · 04-15-2014, 10:53 AM

1200 miles per the manual.

Infidel · 04-15-2014, 11:04 AM

I read somewhere that the GTR motors are run wide open for an extended period of time before install, does anyone have a link that supports this?

ZMan8 · 04-15-2014, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infidel

I read somewhere that the GTR motors are run wide open for an extended period of time before install, does anyone have a link that supports this?

I hear a similar thing for all corvette engines.

FrostyNaples · 04-15-2014, 12:27 PM

Back in 2003, when I purchased new a Sentra SE-R, I broke it in leaving the dealer lot , bouncing off the rev limiter going down the street.

6 years and 103,000 miles later, I traded it, in perfect running condition.

I'd be more inclined to believe the 'break in period' with first hand experience and not what others say.

Now with the Z, i've given it more of a gentle approach, but I chalk that up to age...

Jordo! · 04-15-2014, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InnerDragon10

Yes, another thread about the break in period. HOWEVER, I hope to shed an educated light on the debate. I work as a reliability engineer. A what? An engineer concerned with prolonging equipment life for an industrial plant. I've had training/certification in lubrication analysis, vibration analysis, infrared, bearings maintenance, electric motors, etc.

Nissan recommends the following:
During the first 1,200 miles follow these recommendations to obtain maximum engine performance and ensure the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle.

Avoid driving for long periods at constant speed, either fast or slow.
Do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
Avoid quick starts.
Avoid hard braking as much as possible

I agree with Nissan's 'slow and steady' break in period. Here's why. When breaking in an engine, it is really not likely that internal machine tolerances are THAT out of wack; Nissan has probably gotten pretty good at machined parts and fitment. If there are any slightly off spec tolerances, you would want them to wear in gently and evenly. A gentle break in period allows for this. If you run the engine like you stole it, you risk inducing stress concentrations in machined parts and microscopic fatigue/cracking in the metal. This fatigue will NOT be noticeable for quite some time. But give it thousands of miles and a couple years, and those cracks propogate; fatigued metal begins to spall (tiny chunks break off). Other engine parts need to wear themselves in as well, such as bearings. Again, there should be no unreasonable machine tolerances in a new engine. But machining processes are not perfect, so tiny imperfections may exist, and a gentle break in period allows components to wear in in a 'safer' manner.

"If you don't run it hard, you won't seat your rings and you'll lose power"
Honestly, I do not know about specific engine parts, nor have I worked on them. But I find it hard to believe that one must run an engine hard to get the (piston?) rings to seat properly.

"Gentle break in promotes carbon buildup! It'll kill your engine"
I HIGHLY doubt that a new engine will have ANY carbon deposits after 1,200 miles. If it does, we're talking about MINUTE amounts that will dissipate from spirited driving after the break in period. Unless you're just using absolute crap for gasoline (and I mean ABSOLUTE crap). Not to mention carbon deposits occur over time and are largely influenced by the maintenance you perform on your engine over its life.

Just my two cents

Hope it's informative to some.

My understanding was also to allow for lots of coast down during break-in to induce extra vacuum and seat the rings better.

Other than that, your break-in rationale makes sense, and is one I have always followed with any new motor.

04-15-2014, 08:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
InnerDragon10 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA Posts: 90 Drives: '14 Black 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 11	Why I support Nissan's break in period period Yes, another thread about the break in period. HOWEVER, I hope to shed an educated light on the debate. I work as a reliability engineer. A what? An engineer concerned with prolonging equipment life for an industrial plant. I've had training/certification in lubrication analysis, vibration analysis, infrared, bearings maintenance, electric motors, etc. Nissan recommends the following: During the first 1,200 miles follow these recommendations to obtain maximum engine performance and ensure the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle. Avoid driving for long periods at constant speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear. Avoid quick starts. Avoid hard braking as much as possible I agree with Nissan's 'slow and steady' break in period. Here's why. When breaking in an engine, it is really not likely that internal machine tolerances are THAT out of wack; Nissan has probably gotten pretty good at machined parts and fitment. If there are any slightly off spec tolerances, you would want them to wear in gently and evenly. A gentle break in period allows for this. If you run the engine like you stole it, you risk inducing stress concentrations in machined parts and microscopic fatigue/cracking in the metal. This fatigue will NOT be noticeable for quite some time. But give it thousands of miles and a couple years, and those cracks propogate; fatigued metal begins to spall (tiny chunks break off). Other engine parts need to wear themselves in as well, such as bearings. Again, there should be no unreasonable machine tolerances in a new engine. But machining processes are not perfect, so tiny imperfections may exist, and a gentle break in period allows components to wear in in a 'safer' manner. "If you don't run it hard, you won't seat your rings and you'll lose power" Honestly, I do not know about specific engine parts, nor have I worked on them. But I find it hard to believe that one must run an engine hard to get the (piston?) rings to seat properly. "Gentle break in promotes carbon buildup! It'll kill your engine" I HIGHLY doubt that a new engine will have ANY carbon deposits after 1,200 miles. If it does, we're talking about MINUTE amounts that will dissipate from spirited driving after the break in period. Unless you're just using absolute crap for gasoline (and I mean ABSOLUTE crap). Not to mention carbon deposits occur over time and are largely influenced by the maintenance you perform on your engine over its life. Just my two cents Hope it's informative to some. IDZRVIT, onzedge, shadoquad and 4 others like this.

04-15-2014, 08:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	Now we sit back and wait until someone posts that old mototune article about breaking in motorcycle engines that says to beat the hell out of them early and often. gurneyeagle and marty31 like this. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

04-15-2014, 09:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
osbornsm A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: WHAT Posts: 2,551 Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE Rep Power: 424	Inb4 __________________ 2018 Camaro SS 1LE (455hp) - 2011 Nissan 370z (333hp) - 2004 VW R32 (240hp) - 2000 Civic Si (160hp)

04-15-2014, 09:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	It's funny how engineers always support the breakin period, and guys who read stuff on the internet will tell you that breakin periods don't matter. tranceformer, shadoquad, DLSTR and 4 others like this. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

04-15-2014, 10:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
InnerDragon10 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: USA Posts: 90 Drives: '14 Black 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 11	Interesting - I did not know about the crosshatch pattern on cylinder bores to profile the piston rings. I noticed the website mentions that the first 20 miles are most critical to overall engine life. I picked my car up with 24 miles so... guess it doesn't matter?! In addition, I have a problem directly comparing motorcycle engines to car engines. Yes, they're the same concept.. but can one honestly assume that what's good for a bike is good for a car? 14,000-16,000RPM redline vs. 7500RPM redline? Different weights of the mechanical components, different pressures, etc. The website does offer compelling evidence though. The debate lives on... I'm sticking to my guns though EDIT: Something else I just thought about. Here in the industrial plants we have high speed gearboxes all over the place for equipment. Any of you that have replaced transmission/differential oil have probably wiped off the metal shavings that collect on% Last edited by InnerDragon10; 04-15-2014 at 10:55 AM.

04-15-2014, 10:44 AM	#8 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	That article is highly questionable as far as I'm concerned. I just posted it to head off the people who believe it. To confuse the issue more, who still changes the oil after the breakin period? I always do. The metal from the breakin process has to go somewhere, right? But I don't see this recommended anymore. UNKNOWN_370 likes this. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

04-15-2014, 10:52 AM	#9 (permalink)
RoyaltyB Enthusiast Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: SoCal Posts: 325 Drives: '14 Nismo PW Rep Power: 28	Just out of curiosity, and since I don't have my manual with me, does the manual specify a break in period? Is it part of the dealer checklist when selling the car? (not that the dealers know jack crap about our cars) __________________ Fast Intentions Stage 1 TT / F.I. 2.5 CF CBE / SpecialtyZ Max Street Clutch / F.I. 34 ROW OIL COOLER / VALENTINE ONE W/BLENDMOUNT / LAKERS LICENSE PLATE FRAME (GOTTA REP THE PURPLE AND GOLD )

04-15-2014, 10:52 AM	#10 (permalink)
ZMan8 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 5,844 Drives: 10 370z 40th M6 Rep Power: 659	I support the recommended break in Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk Streetlife, b15, shadoquad and 1 others like this. __________________ 2010 370Z 40 Anniv., 6 MT \| Fast Intentions \| Swift Springs \| SPC \| Z1Motorsports \| JWM \| Redline Oils \| 35% Window Tint 2015 Mazda6 \| 370ZChicago: Chicago Area Cars & Coffee

04-15-2014, 10:53 AM	#11 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	1200 miles per the manual. RoyaltyB likes this. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

04-15-2014, 11:04 AM	#12 (permalink)
Infidel Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Central Florida Posts: 457 Drives: 2013 GM 6MT Rep Power: 14	I read somewhere that the GTR motors are run wide open for an extended period of time before install, does anyone have a link that supports this? damian_mb likes this.

04-15-2014, 12:27 PM	#14 (permalink)
FrostyNaples Base Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: FL Posts: 99 Drives: 2013 370Z Rep Power: 12	Back in 2003, when I purchased new a Sentra SE-R, I broke it in leaving the dealer lot , bouncing off the rev limiter going down the street. 6 years and 103,000 miles later, I traded it, in perfect running condition. I'd be more inclined to believe the 'break in period' with first hand experience and not what others say. Now with the Z, i've given it more of a gentle approach, but I chalk that up to age... carmelvalleyZ likes this. __________________ 2013 Pearl White (Base) 7A - DD

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