Cummins break in.
Roy
of questions. To expedite the break in how much weight in the bed and for
how long? Towing is not an option.
Later,
Roy
Andrew
something in here will help(I'm too tired to actually read through it):
"The engine in the new vehicle is very new, and the piston rings may
have not had a chance to 'seat' yet, and some cylinder pressure is
getting by the rings into the crankcase, which is what we call
'blowby'. After you get 1000 or so miles on it, the engine needs to be
'worked' to create some cylinder temperature. If the engine is
operated with only light loading, it can take up to 30,000 miles to
‘seat’ the piston rings.
"Here is what we have shared with others about break-in time: Normal
highway driving, without a heavy load, is usually a good way to start,
at least for the first couple hundred miles or so, then the engine
should be put to work.
"If your engine is an on-highway, automotive application, operate the
engine at 1500 to 1800 rpm in high gear for the first 50 to 100 miles.
However, do NOT idle the engine for more than 5 minutes at any one
time during the first 100 miles of operation.
" If you 'baby' the engine initially and never put any load on it to
increase cylinder temperatures, then it will take longer for the rings
to ‘seat’. We are not suggesting that the engine be abused in the
beginning, but make it do some work and the piston rings will 'seat'
faster and will also help avoid any carbon build up or fuel 'slobber'
because of light load operation.
"We would suggest driving in hilly or mountain areas, if possible or
loading the truck with 700 or 800 lbs. or pulling a trailer (tandem
car hauler type). The trailer would not have to be loaded. However, if
you use a small single axle trailer then some load on the trailer
would be recommended. The idea is to make the engine 'work' and build
some cylinder temperature and normal driving with no load on the truck
is not 'work' for a heavy duty diesel engine.
"Also, it is always a good idea to vary the engine speed in the
beginning, so the whole vehicle, as well as the engine, gets
accustomed to varying speeds, loads, rpm, etc. We have no specific
time or mileage published when an engine is considered to be broken
in. Actually, we would consider 1000 miles as the initial break-in
period and lets say 'matured' by 6000 miles.
"Really, this has not been much of an issue for us. The engines
usually run about the same after 5000 miles as they do in the
beginning. Of course they tend to loosen up a bit and might improve on
oil consumption slightly, when the piston rings fully get 'worn in or
seated'.
"For more detailed information on break-in, refer to General Engine
Test Procedures (Chassis Dynamometer) (14-05) in Cummins Shop Manual B
Series Engines before operating the engine to avoid internal component
damage. (Refer to Cummins Troubleshooting & Repair Manual for B Series
Engines, Bulletin 3666087, Section 8.)
"Thank you for choosing Cummins power. Let us know if you have other
questions and if away from your computer, feel free to call us toll
free at
1-800-DIESELS (343-7357).
Refer to page 37, right hand column, of the 2000 Ram Pickup Owner's Manual.
"Your Cummins 24 Vavle Turbo Diesel engine does not require a break-in period
due to its construction. Normal oeration is allowed, provided the following
recommendations are followed:
Warm the engine before placing it under load.
Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods of time.
Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.
Observe engine oil pressure and engine temperature indicators.
Check coolant and oil levels frequently.
Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant
weight.
Because of the construction of the Cummins Diesel engine, engine run in is
enhanced by loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve
final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles(10,000 km)."
This same engine is in Freightliner and other medium duty trucks. In those
trucks, they put about 100 miles on them getting the body installed then it's
go to work. The truck is loaded or overloaded and then the hired "minimum wage"
driver gives it h**l. It's driven this way for the next 300,000+ miles. These
engines can stand all kinds of abuse. I'm not saying treat yours that way but I
just saying you don't need to "baby" them during breakin. The engine is more
likely to use oil treating it easy than really putting it to work. Remember,
this is a TRUCK ENGINE that is driven by hired drivers that don't spend their
own money on the truck or don't care what they cost!!
------------------------
Andrew