Ecoboost break in procedure

On Wednesday I get my first new turbocharged car (2010 AWD ecoboost Flex).

I've been getting a lot of advise from co-workers that I should drive it 'hard' for the first 1000 miles or so in order to get a good piston ring seal.

Opinions?

Thanks,

Paul

Ring break-in has already occurred before the dealer receives the vehicle for the pre-delivery inspection.

Drive it like it has a warranty!

It probably tells you what to do in the owner's manual.

What Stuart said. Eric (alfadriver) will see this and know the answer.

what about on a 2010 si lol?

I believe most cars come somewhat pre-broken in nowadays. When I do a PDI on a Honder it states to drive the car under all conditions during the 3-8 mile test drive to check for any errors. With todays cars if they didn't want you to go over a certain RMP during the break in period they could have the computer electronically control that! I doubt they really want to replace parts under warranty.

I had an '02 ep3 Civic that got its first 100 miles at light throttle opening/high speed being ferried from NJ to MD. As a result the rings glazed and it consumed oil more and more 'til is finally surpassed the Honda threshold of 1qt/100 miles at the 30k mark.

It took some doing but they gave me a new short block.

I told the tech who did the work (who I know, and who is a talented guy) to do the following on first startup:

• Pull the fuel pump and ECU relays and crank 'til is shows oil pressure.
• Light it off, verify it's OK.
• Do 1/2 throttle to 1/2 of red line pulls for the first couple minutes.
• Increase to 3/4 @ 3/4.

I drove it home from the dealer doing constant acceleration - deceleration cycles.

After 1000 miles I installed a Jackson (Eaton) supercharger and proceeded to use the car like I meant it.

It didn't consume a drop between changes - just like all my other Hondas.

Can't hurt to do a few ring seating efforts early on - And regardless of what they say I'm still a fan of first oil change at 500/mi to get the crud and assembly lube out. 3000/mi on dino or a 5000 on synthetic unless it doesn't get driven much in which case change annually at minimum.

Drive it like you would normally. They are already broken in.

Figuring out what "broken in" REALLY means was a pretty big step forward in manufacturing. Now all engines are basically broken in with 0 hours.

Hope you like it- I still have 3 test cars, and enjoy them all. Wish they had the nav system, but that's not all that helpful on the chassis rolls.

Aside from the engine, treat the brakes carefully at first, too. Unless you really like buying new rotors and pads (they are a "wear item" not covered under warranty).

In reply to alfadriver:

Thanks Eric - I figured you'd reply soon enough .

I'm looking forward to getting it - i know a few people who have '09's and they seem to like them a lot.

alfadriver wrote: Figuring out what "broken in" REALLY means was a pretty big step forward in manufacturing. Now all engines are basically broken in with 0 hours.

Care to go into more detail as to what that really means, or is that a trade secret?

ReverendDexter wrote:

alfadriver wrote: Figuring out what "broken in" REALLY means was a pretty big step forward in manufacturing. Now all engines are basically broken in with 0 hours.

Care to go into more detail as to what that really means, or is that a trade secret?

Sure- I think it's pretty well known....

Basically, the last honing job before would leave small teeth that point out into the combustion chamber- you can't see them, but picture in your mind a randomish saw pattern under a microscope that points out of the surface.

During break in, these teeth would be bent down as the rings worked them in- and it would take a little lower quality lube, and relatively tight rings to make sure they were worked in.

Finally, someone figured out how to do one final honing job that knocked down those rings- which meant excellent sealing performance right off, no break in required, AND lower ring pressures- all which improves lifespan, emissions and fuel economy. And makes the customer happier.

I have no idea how they do it, but I do know they do it.

Eric

Most owners manuals don't even mention breaking in. My 2000 ZX2SR said drive it normally for 500 miles and not to go to max rpm. If I ever get my 2011 Fiesta, I will be curious to see if they say anything about break in.