Can you properly break in an engine on a stand?

[GOT-Torque]

I'm slowly getting my new parts in the mail and installed on my new engine (2004 305 hp) which is going into our ford excursion. I would like to get the engine running on my stand before I even start taking the excursion apart. The more issues I can resolve before it leaves the engine stand, the better off this project is going to go.



What is the proper way to break in a new diesel engine? Can I even do it correctly on the stand since I won't be able to load it at all? I'm assuming all the usual stuff, no idling, and vary the rpm.



I know it won't be "broke in" after a few test runs on the stand, some say it takes 5 to 10 thousand miles before it is really broke in. Maybe I should be asking what not to do?



Thoughts?

 

[betterthanstock]

it takes 5 to 10 thousand of towing, 20-30 non-towing. Just fill it with mineral oil (cummins recommends you not use synthetic until after it is broken in) and rev up and down for a few minutes, going higher and higher until about 2800 rpm. Give the cam a chance to break in before going faster. What else can you do without a load? Just drive it in normal city traffic (not rush hour) then go on some rural ways, then come back on the freeway up to whatever speed you want. I test drove mine to 100 mph with the salesman inside.

 

[jmorse]

Run it to make sure there are no leaks and op is good. You will need to install it for break in.



Jim

 

[GOT-Torque]

There is no rush hour where I live heck only a handful of stoplights in the whole county! :-laf



I understand what you are saying though.

 

[TowPro]

How big is your stand? I am picturing a standard engine stand, not sure I would want to even try to start it on a standard engine stand.

 

[GOT-Torque]

It's sitting on the shipping crate I hauled it home on. Made out of 2x6's and bolted to the block with flat iron. I too wouldn't start it on an engine stand (unless it was home built, and very very heavy).

 

[nickleinonen]

an engine can be broken in on a dyno in about an hour, but with no available load on a stand, you won't be able able to break it in