Boxerworks.com

My dad's break-in methodology involved the cheapest grocery store oil he could find, and a long drive (ride) through the mountains of Colorado. Immediately after this trip, he'd replace the oil with some good quality stuff.

His rationale was this: the cheap oil would allow a thorough ring-in by virtue (?) of its slightly less effective lubricating characteristics.

He owned a BMW/Suzuki/Triumph dealership, and was a very proficient wrench with a deep understanding of engines & how they work.

This is my preferred break-in method, FWIW.

Well, i'll certainly replace the oil early but unfortunately it's good oil .... too bad I guess .

Late to the party but I highly recommend Oak's Top End Manual for all the nitty-gritty.

I've tried fast and slow methods on various aircooled engines over the years. Doesn't seem to matter as far as oil burning goes. I babied a VW bus engine 26 years ago when I rebuilt it. Still runs strong and doesn't burn a drop. Got stuck in a humongous traffic jam while doing a "hard" break in on my airhead top end with Nikasil jugs. The bike got real hot. Doesn't burn or blow any oil.
Did a hard break in according to all the current info on a new water cooled Vanagon engine. It uses about a quart every 1000.
Vary the RPM's, and change the oil frequently, that is the consistent theme of all methods.
Does anyone wonder about new vehicles from the factory? Most customers do nothing special with the new engine. People rev the heck out of them while test driving. somehow most of those new cars and bikes do just fine on oil consumption.
Almost seems there's more luck involved than anything else.

I visited the BMW automobile assembly plant in 1973. The cars coming off the assembly line were immediately floored and run through the gears on a dyno looking thing.

hi there...whats a nice set of rings like you doing in a place like this...do you want to come up to my room and look at my etchings?

bbelk wrote:hi there...whats a nice set of rings like you doing in a place like this...do you want to come up to my room and look at my etchings?

From Diane? She's prolly about 17th oversize