Running in new motor

[bajdas]

Hi,

I am from an old school that was always taught that new motors should undergo a 'running in' process before being driven at high speed or under heavier load.

I know that modern technology with head gaskets, etc all mean the old process is sometimes not needed. But I note that the 2005 V6 Acclaim Wagon still recommends a vehicle check at 3000km.

So what is the current opinion on how a new car should be driven before first 3000km inspection ?

Thanks,
Andrew Mac

[Bax]

Did you get the engine built, or is it brand new?

I've heard many a conflicting argument too. Some say that it should be babied and driven with heavy loads. 3rd and low revs up gradients etc. Then I've heard of others revving its tits off for ages to help bed in the rings.

I'd personally go back to where you got the car from and do it the way they recommend.

[Daza]

Hi Andrew
Congrats on the new purchase.
Dont forget that with a new car there is more to run in than just the motor. Diff, gearbox, brakes and pumps all need a bit of gentle time to settle things like bearings, belts, pulleys and grease distrubition. The ring seal should all ready be established by the time you get your car as the motors are run quite hard in the cars on the dyno before you get them. On saying that the gen 3's had a bit of trouble early on but the new ones seem to be a lot beter. Drive it normally but try to avoid any sustained high speed and towing for at least the first 1500 kms. Mix up the driving speed, dont let it idle for longer than 10 mins at a time. Most of this is covered in the owners manual.
Make sure you have found any of the faults that may have been there when the car was assembled by the 3000 service though as this service is factory sponsored and they should be fixed with a minimum of grief( Wind noise, air leaks, door alighnment, rattles and the like). The PD is not quite as through as they used to be and I believe most of this is done at the 3000 service.
Cheers
Daza

[Torquative]

they missed a faulty rear window washer on ours :b: