Y2K Break-in Procedure

[Archive]

Hey Guys,
I think this may be an old subject, but I could sure use all the information I can get on new engine break-in. We all know that the owner's manual is useless here stating that break-in is not needed. This truck is my 3rd child and I really want to do it right. I have to use the truck for commuting during the week and most of this is in traffic. The truck now has about 465 miles on it. Thanks in advance. . BB #ad


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2000, 3500 Driftwood, 4X4, Quad Cab, SLT+ Laramie, Tan Leather, 6 Speed, 3. 54LSD, Tow Package, Camper Package, All Possible Options, Rancho RS 9000's Shocks, Linex Bed Liner, K&N Air Filter, Husky Floor Mats, Geno's Smoothie, Chrome "Down" Exhaust, Geno's Charcoal Air Filter, Mopar Bug Deflector, Whisler Radar Detector, AirLift 5000 Air Bags.



[This message has been edited by Bad Brad (edited 12-23-1999). ]

 

[Archive]

Go to one or both of these threads. Should give you all the info you need.
http://www.webwhims.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000682.html
http://www.webwhims.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000738.html

I'd also stay away from synthetic oil for at least the first 10K. I'm waiting until after 30K until I go to synthetic. One reason is I'm taking a 4000 mile trip in April and will be dragging my trailer along with me. I'll be going through the Blue Ridge Mountains. If the engine isn't broken in after that, it never will be. I think it may be already, but I'm only 9K from 30K now and the truck runs well with minimal blowby and no oil usage. Hope all this info helps.

John



[This message has been edited by John Berger (edited 12-23-1999). ]

 

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The best way to break in the Cummins is to hook up the heaviest (reasonable) trailer you can find and start pulling. It will break in faster and better than baby-ing it.

 

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I have a question can you really breakin a motor with a 66,000GVW rating in a pickup truck rated 8800-11000GVW with 20,000GCVW? I don't think these trucks are as hard to breakin as everyone says. I did use my truck as hard as I could during the breakin. Actually had truck on scales at 10,300 lbs. Not bad for 8800lbs. GVW I didn't even know it was there.

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97 2500 4x4 NV4500 NV241HD 4. 10's posi CC every heavy duty option available,Reese 15k 5th wheel,turbo silencer removed

 

[Archive]

Even from mile #1,I'm not treating this new one any different from the last one. I just like to work it up any hills I encounter.

-Mike

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00 QC2500 4x4, 6spd, LWB,
LSD, 3. 54, Dark Garnet Red, Agate, SLT, Fogs, Camper, Trailer, Midland CB, 2wd-low,
Smittybilt bars, 6-disc Clarion changer, No silencer ring, Sill guards, Tailgate marker lights, and a big chrome foot gas pedal! Need to start BOMBing all over again.

Mike Ramos Disciple of BOMB
"RATTLE & HUM"

 

[Archive]

Brad,

Here's a copy of a posting I did in the 12 valve section that Rob didn't move. Drive your truck--don't pamper it!!

Refer to page 37, right hand column, of the 2000 Ram Pickup Owner's Manual.
"Your Cummins 24 Vavle Turbo Diesel engine does not require a break-in period due to its construction. Normal oeration is allowed, provided the following recommendations are followed:

Warm the engine before placing it under load.

Do not operate the engine at idle for prolonged periods of time.

Use the appropriate transmission gear to prevent engine lugging.

Observe engine oil pressure and engine temperature indicators.

Check coolant and oil levels frequently.

Vary throttle position at highway speeds when carrying or towing significant weight.

Because of the construction of the Cummins Diesel engine, engine run in is enhanced by loaded operating conditions which allow the engine parts to achieve final finish and fit during the first 6,000 miles(10,000 km). "

This same engine is in Freightliner and other medium duty trucks. In those trucks, they put about 100 miles on them getting the body installed then it's go to work. The truck is loaded or overloaded and then the hired "minimum wage" driver gives it h**l. It's driven this way for the next 300,000+ miles. These engines can stand all kinds of abuse. I'm not saying treat yours that way but I just saying you don't need to "baby" them during break-in. The engine is more likely to use oil treating it easy than really putting it to work. Remember, this is a TRUCK ENGINE that is driven by hired drivers who don't spend their own money on the truck or don't care what they cost!!

This is my 4th diesel engine pickup and they all get the fifth wheel behind them at less than 500 miles on the clock and get "put to work". I have had no engine problems and none of them have used oil. These engines are made to work!!! End of sermon.

Bill


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Y2K "Limited Edition" 3500QC, 6 Speed, 4. 10, SLT+, Camper & Tow Pkg. , (New)Factory Towing Mirrors, Reese 20K Hitch, EGT & Boost Gauges, RPM 45 Gallon Aux. Fuel Tank, Highway Products 5th Wheel Toolbox, PacBrake, Painless Wiring Kit, Mag-Hytec Rear Axle Cover, Ordered 9-27, Picked Up 12-16-99, 8,000+ lbs. of Driving Pleasure!

 

[Archive]

Bill, I couldn't have said it any better if I had rehearsed it. . I agree with you 100%!! These engines are built TRUCK TOUGH! Run the crap out of them!! Make sure that the lube oil and filter is changed 6K to 8K depending, and don't "lug" it under load, keep the rpm's up between 17 and 2500, and you can reasonably expect 500K miles with no problems. . Good Luck!!

Rob. .

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'94 2500SLT, LB, 3. 54, Auto (still original), TST 230 Fuel Plate, K&N Filter, PacBrake, AutoLoc, EGT Gage, DeeZee Chrome Full Length Running Boards, Vent Shades,. Pull 35' HitchHiker 5th Whl (13,850+ lbs) 118,770 miles as of 12-22-99. Full Time RV'ers, Portsmouth, Ohio is "home".

 

[Archive]

Thanks guys for the info. I really love the truck. I look for excuses to drive it. I want to get an exhaust brake next, but first I need to get some good flaps and side steps. . #ad
#ad
#ad


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2000, 3500 Driftwood, 4X4, Quad Cab, SLT+ Laramie, Tan Leather, 6 Speed, 3. 54LSD, Tow Package, Camper Package, All Possible Options, Rancho RS 9000's Shocks, Linex Bed Liner, K&N Air Filter, Husky Floor Mats, Geno's Smoothie, Chrome "Down" Exhaust, Geno's Charcoal Air Filter, Mopar Bug Deflector, Whisler Radar Detector, AirLift 5000 Air Bags.