Still breaking in - When to WOT

[DCornelius]

I'm following the break-in recommendations that I've read here and other sources. I kept it at 55 or below for the first 100 miles, I've varied my speeds a great deal, and I'm not going to tow until after 500 miles. I'm currently at around 375 miles, and I'm wondering if I should wait longer to go WOT every once in a while.



Thanks,

David

 

[klenger]

Go for it.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

You're doing good David, but now with 375 miles klenger is right. . . go for an occasional quick WOT blast (to say 70-80mph)



Vaughn

 

[DCornelius]

Thanks for the replies... now if lunchtime would only get here!!

 

[swexlin]

I did PLENTY of WOT on Saturday, with about 150 miles on the clock - after a good warm up, of course.



She is as SMOOTH as silk, and scary fast for something this weight. Mileage so far is about 13 mpg.

 

[Bill Stockard]

You don't have to "baby" the engine... but maybe the rest of the power train. The same engine goes in medium duty trucks, farm tractors, and off road construction equipment. These engines don't get any break-in time, but are put under full load at governed RPM (WOT) and driven by minimum wage drivers who aren't making the payments. Amazingly, with less than the recommended service, they last hundreds of thousands of miles or the equivalent in hours of operating time... it's one tough little engine!



Unlike other automotive diesels on the market, it was't originally designed for use in a pickup truck.



Bill

 

[DCornelius]

Hey Scott. Congrats on the "local" purchase. Sorry your order didn't work out, but it sounds like you did yourself better anyway.



I'm super happy. So far the overhead says 13. 8, but I'm filling up today, so I'll hand calculate. I'm SO glad we sprung for the Laramie package. It's a dream just to sit in the driver's seat.



Don't you love all that chrome against the bright white?



David

 

[swexlin]

David - it does look good, doesn't it.



Go ahead and let that baby run. Time for the transmission to learn your driving habits also.



Scott



My overhead says 10. 8, so it doesn't appear real accurate so far.

 

[RobertBolinger]

Drive it like you stole it



It will defuel berore you can blow the thing apart

 

[Mopar_Mudder]

When to WOT, well ah mine hit WOT when I left the dealers lot.

 

[BRayls]

I am with you,I thought they were broken in when we picked them up,LOL.

 

[nickleinonen]

my truck saw WOT on the first day of ownership many times... and see's it daily :-laf... i just don't like giving it wot until i see the engine temp gauge move off the stopper

 

[klenger]

This question is sort of like asking the hosipital staff at what age you should spank your baby. Some of them suggest waiting till you get home.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

The most important thing Cummins stresses in the very early stages of ownership is to idle as little as possible. . . absolutely no more than 5 minutes.



The post I saw where Cummins commented on break-in said to vary RPM and then after 1000 miles start to load it and work it. . . seemed to imply not to go too hard on it for the first few hundred miles.



Vaughn

 

[GFritsch]

These engines are designed to be run at full load from day one.

I

 

[RobertBolinger]

Originally posted by klenger

This question is sort of like asking the hosipital staff at what age you should spank your baby. Some of them suggest waiting till you get home.

... and some immediately call social services.



Some people here probably thing you should avoid more than 2K RPM and 3/4 throttle at any time!



I rev mine until it really starts defueling (about 3300) quite often.

 

[RobertBolinger]

Hey David,



I saw a 2003+ 2500 2WD CTD w/auto QC RED SWB at Wal-Mart in K'ville-know who that belongs to? The SWB QC 2wd's are a little rarer...



Robert

 

[DCornelius]

Originally posted by RobertBolinger

Hey David,



I saw a 2003+ 2500 2WD CTD w/auto QC RED SWB at Wal-Mart in K'ville-know who that belongs to? The SWB QC 2wd's are a little rarer...



Robert

Robert, I have no idea, but I'm sure they have a smile on their face. I love my truck. That's why I want to do it right.



BTW, I have floored it a few times in the last couple of days. I can't believe a truck this heavy can put you back in your seat like that.



I'm getting close to 500 miles now, so I'm looking forward to hooking up the camper and dragging it around. I'm going to have to get a trip to the beach lined up. I should be able to get most of the "500 miles at 50 mph" knocked out in one trip.



I'm guessing that after that final break-in step, I'll be free to "run her like she wants to be rode . "



David

 

[swexlin]

I can't believe a truck this heavy can put you back in your seat like that

Amazing isn't it. :--) This truck makes my V10 look slow, and it was no slouch.



Rides like a dream too. Even my girlfriend likes it, and she hates duallies.

 

[XcumminsX]

Dont you guys know its not the engine that needs breakin' in. . its the gears in the trans, and diffs. To wear them properly you should follow the manual. These engines get run for something like 3 months straight @ 3200 rpm as a test. . <-- is that right or did i read something wrong



Nick