Hey guys! Just purchased my first diesel rig. Drive them at work everyday and eventually pulled the trigger for my own truck. 2016 Duramax 2500hd crew cab. Very excited! I have a concern and have literally gotten very mixed opinions on it. Almost right down the middle. please look for my post on the main forum! Thanks guys and nice to meet you all!
FNG from CA, break in Q
- Thread starter Smaccs
- Start date
Here's the Q
Trying to figure this site out...anyways...
I purchased a vehicle out of state where some family lives, about 650 miles away. Saved about 12k doing it since CA is so darn exp. Now I need to get my truck home. I'm nervous about taking it on a long haul before a proper "break-in". I don't have much time off at work due to recent illness so I'll fly up Friday and hopefully drive home Sunday. 2 dealerships explained that they sell hundreds of trucks this way annually. As long as driver does not go above 55, doesn't use cruise control, and fluctuate RPM's as much as possible I was told should not be an issue. I even e-chatted with "Sheila" from GM who stated there's nothing written against that practice but admitted it was a lot of miles and a long way to drive a brand new engine and recommended there be 500 miles on it before the trip. I've heard it's totally fine since new technology in oils have come so far they don't burn anymore causing glazing. I've heard no way I'd ever do that, rings must be properly broken in! You name it, I've heard it.
This is a HUGE investment for me and I'd like to have this last me at least 20 years. I'd hate to be a worry wort but I'd hate to prevent this engine from reaching full potential, as I said this is a huge investment for me. Has anyone done this before? Obviously I know it's best to buy near home but I purchased before I even thought about this issue. Best option I can think of is having a family member drive it to break in for me before my (already purchased) flight arrives. Family member stated they could properly put about 200 miles on it. Any and all feedback will be awesome. Thanks guys!
Trying to figure this site out...anyways...
I purchased a vehicle out of state where some family lives, about 650 miles away. Saved about 12k doing it since CA is so darn exp. Now I need to get my truck home. I'm nervous about taking it on a long haul before a proper "break-in". I don't have much time off at work due to recent illness so I'll fly up Friday and hopefully drive home Sunday. 2 dealerships explained that they sell hundreds of trucks this way annually. As long as driver does not go above 55, doesn't use cruise control, and fluctuate RPM's as much as possible I was told should not be an issue. I even e-chatted with "Sheila" from GM who stated there's nothing written against that practice but admitted it was a lot of miles and a long way to drive a brand new engine and recommended there be 500 miles on it before the trip. I've heard it's totally fine since new technology in oils have come so far they don't burn anymore causing glazing. I've heard no way I'd ever do that, rings must be properly broken in! You name it, I've heard it.
This is a HUGE investment for me and I'd like to have this last me at least 20 years. I'd hate to be a worry wort but I'd hate to prevent this engine from reaching full potential, as I said this is a huge investment for me. Has anyone done this before? Obviously I know it's best to buy near home but I purchased before I even thought about this issue. Best option I can think of is having a family member drive it to break in for me before my (already purchased) flight arrives. Family member stated they could properly put about 200 miles on it. Any and all feedback will be awesome. Thanks guys!
I have heard people buying new and throwing a huge trailer on it an going an others do the break in. Haven't really seen a difference. I'd just drive it. Even if something happens (very unlikely) that's what the warranty is for
Thanks roxy I think I'll end up doing that. Also spoke with an engineer neighbor who works at a production factory. He stated factory motors in the last few years have nullified need for break in. Rebuilt out of a shop does not have factory precision. He's at a different manufacturer so not sure if GM does this but he said they precision bore the cylinders to each ring now. FWIW it made me feel a bit better.
Doing a bit more research led me to breaking in a rear differential. GM owners manual almost states word for word how I read to break in a rear end. Hmmmmm??? "The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:". Seems like they're not too worried about the motor at all but perhaps just the rear end? The guidelines go on about brake linings and mileage/towing which mimics breaking in the rear end. I'm starting to feel good and relaxed. I stress myself out too much 
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There is a break in for the rear end, but IMHO it isn't too critical. Just change the rear end oil when you get back home.
The motor itself doesn't need a break in. Every Duramax is run on a dyno when it is first built. Since it has already run to full power, the rings are seated and everything is good to go. Drive it however you please, but if it was me, I would be sure to get at least a couple WOT accelerations in on the trip:woott:
The motor itself doesn't need a break in. Every Duramax is run on a dyno when it is first built. Since it has already run to full power, the rings are seated and everything is good to go. Drive it however you please, but if it was me, I would be sure to get at least a couple WOT accelerations in on the trip:woott:
Just a couple?? Id have to make sure the speed limiter worked and race a few people
fwiw, aren't these motors not really considered "broken in" till about 80k or more miles? it seems like the mileage doesn't improve until around 20k miles. what is 650 miles of freeway driving when new really going to do in the long run to the life or reliability of the engine? nothing
i would drive it home like it was any other truck that was not new and then change the engine and diff oil shortly after. don't sweat it
i would drive it home like it was any other truck that was not new and then change the engine and diff oil shortly after. don't sweat it