Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Brake in period

[Smokin Joes 2500]

How long (miles) should I expect to go before my motor is properly broken in? I did first oil change at 1650 miles just to be on the saif side (I LOVE this truck) My fuel milage is getting better recorded 12. 97 mpg today with 75% of that being in town. Cant wait to get a box and a DTT transmission!!! You guys are a bad influence on me and I love it

 

[marksmith]

Well, welcome to the end of having money in the bank



Having said that, your cummins likes to be worked. I don't think anyone here would consider broke in to be under 10,000 miles. If you tow with it she will be broke in and most efficient at about ten thousand miles, if you don't tow I would go 15 before considering it broke in.



In my rig I have 13K and my mileage has just now tapered off. (No longer getting better) I am currently getting 18 with winter fuel. Not bad in my book. I also started with a 12K load with 117 miles on the ODO and havent let up very much.



All I can say for breaking her in right is to find something to tow with. Don't go crazy and tow the longest steepest hill you can find but work 'er. She will break in better. If you don't have something to tow, borrow it. I wouldn't drive long distances on the freeway (the same RPM) for the first thousand miles, and don't let her idle for long periods of time till she is broke in.



I am sure I have forgot a few things. Try the Search on this topic. You should have enough reading to keep you entertained for days.



Congrats on the new ride

Mark

 

[cullyguy]

My last two Cummins have been considered broke in by about 18,000 miles. This was determined by using oil analysis @ every 3500 miles or so until that point.

 

[cowboybarber]

My Cummins has about 130000 on it and My milage just kept getting better up until about 30,000. Got even better when I added the box. I am not sure, but I think the owners manual(for what it's worth) says no break in period is necessary for our trucks. the first day I had mine I pulled around a 15,000 pound trailer all day. That was my break in period.

 

[Pit Bull]

Congrats on the new truck, I just got another one too . My 2000 was just like your, 3500QC 4x4 auto ( I had the 4. 10's). At 40K miles I would get 15 around town and 18-19 highway. You have about the worst combination for getting high fuel mileage, if you had the 4. 10 rear axle ratio it would be a little worse. But you got to love the looks of a 3500 4x4, so whats a few miles per gallon When you look that good going done the road.