Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Engine rebuild

[Wyomingcowboy]

Oh ya... . so far so good on the transmission too... ... . I'll try to check back tonight with more details. I'm off to Logan to see the gf for now. (About 200 miles. )

 

[Joe Mc]

As far as break-in the theory of not maintaining a cruise is supposed to allow the rings to seat evenly in the lands (top and bottom) hence increase speed - let decelerate and so forth. I'm kind of an overkill type and if it were me I'd change out the oil 500 miles, 1000 and then on to regular 3000 intervals. If you decide to go synthetic oil I'd wait about 5 - 10 k. I'm sure someone else will chime in with more direct Cummins experience that may be more helpful.

By the way congrats on getting "back in the saddle"

 

[analog]

I've been watching your rebuild threads since you started them. Tip of the hat to you, sir! You tackled a huge job. I know just how good it feels to know you did it yourself. . ok, a little help from the TDR too Congratulations!

 

[WILLD420]

I just read an article the other day claiming that you should do your break in in the first 5-10 minutes of running. They claim that you need to do a couple full power runs and decelerations in the first few miles to seat the rings.



I've never done that before, but I never babied one either.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Oo. PRAISE the LORD How many miles before I should change the oil?

I too am an overkill sort of guy - and got the factory fill out of my truck in about the first 200 miles - 2nd at 500, and next at 1000 - the rest were then at "normal" intervals.



Since I use the Frantz TP bypass oil filter setup, it's neat to be able to inspect the top surface of the TP cartridge, to monitor the various wear particles - and let me tell ya - there ARE a fair number in a newly machined and breaking-in motor!



The first several oil/filter changes are, naturally, the worse - and they steadily thin out to all or nearly all gone at about 50K miles. BUT, without those "early" changes, all that stuff is in there doing it's thing to the rings, cylinders, and various sensitive crank and rod bearings and journals.



Oil is still relatively cheap - engines are not...

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Thanks for the advice guys..... too late for the 200 mile change as I have already gone 500. I'll dump and fill it first thing in the morning. I hand calculated the mileage tonight at the first fill up and got 17. 5. Not too bad considering it was stock setting and I took every effort to at least go the speed limit of 75.

I really appreciate all of the help and advice I get off of here. I can't tell you how much I thrive off of words of wisdom from guys like Gary -K7GLD, Trent - aka Blacksheep, and TONS of others on here. I know I don't speak for myself when I say that the words of encouragement, help, advice, etc. in no small part give ordinary chumps like me the confidence to tear into these types of projects.

so... ... . Thanks!!

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

When should I consider this thing "broken in"? I changed the oil at 500 and I'll do it again at 1000.

 

[kenny61]

When should I consider this thing "broken in"? I changed the oil at 500 and I'll do it again at 1000.

Around 100k :-laf

 

[Joe Mc]

I agree w/Kenny61, right around that time would be close . . . enjoy it

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

when can I start bein rough on it? like pulling trailers and letting my new cam and injectors unwind?

 

[kenny61]

The sooner you start towing the better.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/Issues/TDR_FAQSheet.pdf

 

[drag racer]

The sooner you start towing the better.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/Issues/TDR_FAQSheet.pdf

ditto! Let her eat!

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

When should I consider this thing "broken in"? I changed the oil at 500 and I'll do it again at 1000.

The best oil analysis - fewest wear metals - on my old '91, were at 120K miles...



By the way, what method did you end up using on the pan gasket?

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I just went snug and watched for it to move. My machine shop guy told me the old school method that he always used for race cars was to go until you see it start to move, then stop. So that's what I did. Some were at 18 ft. lbs. and some were not. I'm not leaking anything yet... ... .

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I calculated my last pre-tuner mileage today (about 1k miles on rebuild) and have averaged 17. 5 on the interstates going about speed limit. (70-80, depending on construction, and whether I'm in Utah or Wyoming) Today I drove to my hometown and stopped in Casper to fuel up ($2. 41 @ Flying J) and calculated 20. 05 mpg!Oo.

I drove 80 on I-80 for about 120 +/- miles and 70 on the two lane 220/789. I set the cruise and had a slight tail wind till Rawlins then had a cross wind to Casper. Pulling a trailer, my egt's still would have been high, but empty I had no problem. I'll take those numbers anyday!



Should I expect a slight increase until everything finds it's seat in the new motor, or do you think it's about as good as it'll get?