Is Break-in Oil Used In Engines Anymore?

[Mike Wenrich]

I just purchased a 2023 2500 with the 6.4 gas engine and was told it has a break in oil that should be left for at least 4,000 miles. One reference was made that the Cummins engines might have an oil or additives to help seat the rings. Would our experts from FCA or specialty shops know if either engine uses a special oil or if the engine is run before being placed in the engine bay? One thought was to change the oil/filter at 1,000 miles to get rid of the metal shavings. All this makes some kind of common sense but is there any truth to any of it and is it necessary for either type engine?

When I build an older engine from decades ago I use non detergent oil for break in. Can't do that with these new engines. Your expertise would be appreciated. I hope this thread is in the correct place. I could not find an exact fit or one that gets looked at often and I would think diesel owners might appreciate the info., if it's applicable.

 

[brucejohnson]

I haven't seen a reference on break-in oil is a few decades. About the only limitation has been take it easy for 500 miles for stuff to seat (differential), mostly referring to drive train instead of engine.
I believe the individual mentioning "break-in oil" isn't aware of the old-time connotation and is considering the original fill as a "break-in" oil. The crankcase is filled with a high-quality oil and the algorithm set in the oil change notification will let you know when to change the oil depending on usage.
The machining now is far superior to back in the 60s and 70s. I remember the non-detergent oil days, 500 miles to flush the "break-in" residue with some heavy acceleration followed by deceleration to seat the rings. (Cylinder pressure/vacuum load on rings)
On the newer vehicles I usually go around 4,500 miles before I changed oil due to "old habits are hard to break" and the time (one year) was reached. Oil analysis was showing lots of life remaining.
Your owner's manual will give you the path to follow.

From a 2022 6.4 Owner's Manual
GASOLINE ENGINE
A long break-in period is not required for the engine and drivetrain (transmission and axle) in your vehicle. Drive moderately during the first 300 miles (500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are desirable. While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good break-in. Wide-open throttle acceleration in low gear can be detrimental and should be avoided. The engine oil installed in the engine at the factory is a high-quality energy conserving type lubricant. Oil changes should be consistent with anticipated climate conditions under which vehicle operations will occur. For the recommended viscosity and quality grades Ú page 468. CAUTION! Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral Oil in the engine or damage may result. NOTE: A new engine may consume some oil during its first few thousand miles (kilometers) of operation. This should be considered a normal part of the break-in and not interpreted as a problem. Please check your oil level with the engine oil indicator often during the break in period. Add oil as required.

 

[Ozymandias]

Must be weirdo that told you that...
Break-in oils are gone 40 years ago or so.
And 20 years ago the 1000 Mile first change was gone, since then we run the factory fill a full exchange period.

Like said, production came a long way since then.

I don't think that commercially used vehicles nowadays get a proper break in milage of the drive train at all when I see who sits behind the wheel.
Get in an floor it, Boss pays the bills...

 

[Mike Wenrich]

Your replies make sense to me and I won't be too concerned then by leaving it in 4,000 miles. My current diesel is 20 years old and I don't recall anything special with it nor the 2014 I purchased later. I'm hoping to avoid the lifter tick problem the hemis have and I hear oil weight and quality have a lot to do with that along with a weak oil pump. Should be built with the Hellcat pump. I know it won't last like a Cummins but I'm hoping for 150K out of it before the valve train grenades.

 

[Ozymandias]

Relax... Sometimes the Internet should just be shut down.. it gives to many headaches to people.
The HEMI is a great engine with a lasting design. They are out there 100 times more often then the Cummins and do their jobs just fine, from Sportcar, to Jeeps, to Trucks. There is nothing to worry about it.

 

[brucejohnson]

Your replies make sense to me and I won't be too concerned then by leaving it in 4,000 miles. My current diesel is 20 years old and I don't recall anything special with it nor the 2014 I purchased later. I'm hoping to avoid the lifter tick problem the hemis have and I hear oil weight and quality have a lot to do with that along with a weak oil pump. Should be built with the Hellcat pump. I know it won't last like a Cummins but I'm hoping for 150K out of it before the valve train grenades.

The important things are to use the correct spec oil, high quality oil filter and change oil as recommended, be it mileage, time or oil life indicator. Periodic oil analysis if you want to keep an eye on things doesn't hurt either.
The 6.4 is a durable beast. Like Ozy stated, the internet is not a great source of good information. Twenty people post experiences or rumored second, third or just to post drivel experiences. Another 30,000 are having fun enjoying their powerfully reliable truck. I know two (son 2/3 and 3/3} that enjoy their 6.4s in their Power Wagons (2018 & 2022) and no problems towing heavy at all at 81,000+ and 33,000+ miles. Their 5.7 Hemis went over 200,000 miles and only experienced the exhaust manifold bolt issue.
Enjoy the features and ride with a smile.

 

[Cummins12V98]

On my current 15 DRW I changed to AMZ/OIL 15-40 at 2,900 miles. After that I have gone full 15k or one year while under warranty. Now I change 15k even if over one year. I will do a Blackstone this change and run what they say.

 

[Mike Wenrich]

I know most of the 6.4's are pretty good. I talked with everyone I saw that has one before buying. Wanted to get their towing experience as well because they don't have the grunt of the diesel. Would have bought another diesel if I drove enough miles per week or year to keep the def/sensors happy. If this one holds together in spite of the MCD, and most do, I will be a happy camper. Plan to tow our 6,000lb Lance trailer. Have not decided yet if I will part with the 2004.5. Been a great truck and is having some issues now that really are minor but affect the reliability of being comfortable out on the road. It is still available for "grunt' if I need it but I have too many vehicles to keep up and age/arthritis is making that more difficult. Something is going to have to go. Still a great ranch truck though. Decisions, decisions.

 

[Timd32]

I would not push the regular oil change interval at all, reguardless if you do OA or not on that.

Mine is a fleet rig 2018 6.4, it tows great but it's 3500-4500 RPM about 7-9MPG, it also has 4.10s so that does not help, but I've done a good amount of stuff with it. Still have it and it has 75k on it now. I really love the truck it's very capable.

But besides completely preventable I had the normal North East issues. Oil pan, Trans pan, frozen caliper slides.

 

[AH64ID]

Cummins specifically states not to use break-in oils or additives in their engines.

I still do an early oil change, and probably won’t stop doing that. I like knowing exactly what oil is in the motor, weight wise for winter. I’ve heard Cummins went away from 5w-40 as the factory fill, and the 10w-30 isn’t rated for the temps I might see. I saw as low as -18°F the first year with my 2022, so I’m quite glad I dumped the factory fill at 1,565 miles.

Cummins or Hemi I would personally do an early oil change, but it’s not something I lose sleep over on a used vehicle.

On my current 15 DRW I changed to AMZ/OIL 15-40 at 2,900 miles. After that I have gone full 15k or one year while under warranty. Now I change 15k even if over one year. I will do a Blackstone this change and run what they say.

Be sure to get the test with TBN, otherwise you don’t really have any idea if you can run longer or not.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Cummins specifically states not to use break-in oils or additives in their engines.

I still do an early oil change, and probably won’t stop doing that. I like knowing exactly what oil is in the motor, weight wise for winter. I’ve heard Cummins went away from 5w-40 as the factory fill, and the 10w-30 isn’t rated for the temps I might see. I saw as low as -18°F the first year with my 2022, so I’m quite glad I dumped the factory fill at 1,565 miles.

Cummins or Hemi I would personally do an early oil change, but it’s not something I lose sleep over on a used vehicle.




Be sure to get the test with TBN, otherwise you don’t really have any idea if you can run longer or not.

YES, I always get the TBN.