how to:professional break in

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Samrsnow

AKA glue sniffer
Messages
224
Location
Metairie Louisiana
If you are still idling at least a tank through during break-in, you're using the old-school accepted method (still works well for some!) but it's not the method that the top engine guys (Ron Paris, Dennis Richey, Rody Roem, Michael Salven are just a few I've spoken personally with about this) recommend anymore.

From the very 1st time you start your engine, plop the car on the ground & begin running it in a parking lot in 2-3 minute intervals, tuned only *slightly rich* getting the temps up in the 200F range on a normal day. Every 2-3 minutes, shut the engine down & let it cool completely with the piston at BDC, and then fire it back up; continue this cycle until you've run 15 min or so, and then bump up to 3-4 minute intervals. Vary the RPM and don't be afraid to get the temps in the 200's. What you want is heat cycling of the components without the incredible stress that comes with breaking an engine in when it's overly rich & cold. After cycling the engine in this manner for about 20-25 total minutes, it'll be ready for the track and race tuning. I realize this method goes against the old-school "idle on the box" routine, but you'll be amazed once you've completed this break-in routine, your engine will still have amazing pinch w/out sticking at the top AND your engine's compression will last far longer than it will with the "old school" method.

You say you run the engine at "factory settings" for the first FIVE tanks? That alone causes lots of stress, as the factory engine settings are very rich on every engine I've ever owned or tuned. The piston & sleeve haven't expanded to operating temps, and every time the engine turns over, the piston slams into the pinch zone at TDC. The not-so-surprising result can be a cracked con-rod at the crank pin--that's where the majority of the stresses occur as the engine turns over. I've only heard of about 6-8 engines breaking con-rods, and they're ALWAYS during the first gallon...and almost every time it's because the guys have performed the break-in procedure you described. Doesn't seem like a mystery as to why it's happening. Drawing out the break-in routine really stresses the engine & actually wears away compression along the way. This method I've outlined will feel weird at every step, but after you try it once, you'll notice a big difference in your engine's performance & lifespan.

Rick Brake RB Mods
Hope this helps; give this break-in method a shot--you have nothing to gain except longer life & more power

Use a MC 59 or the hottest plug you can get and burn 30% nitro. Keep your cool and be patient, It will come in to It’s own after about a gallon of fuel.

all thanks to RBmods.com.
 
I use a very similar method...except I use a break in bench for load and a heat gun for temperature, as many of my motors struggle to make temps, even under load ....Pinch and compression lasts much longer using this method ...but also what must be considered is the motor your starting with... This method works very good on tight pinch race engines with a hard piston like a Picco or Nova...However I am not sure such an aggressive break in works as well for softer piston Taiwanese engine that doesn't have much pinch to begin with... As well another important issue is the fuel you use to break in the engine..... fancy fuels like OD lubricate so well it never allows the piston to properly lap into the sleeve, which in turn will lead to greater stress on the rod and rod pin..... I prefer using low grade fuel like HPI power fuel for break in, I find the piston laps into the sleeve much quicker....
 
Would you recommend going one full turn or maybe even 1/2 turn on the HSN from factory settings ??

This is the method I have used for my motors since going mid to hi end modified's and yes I go at the very least 1/2 turn in on most mills but the motor tells me what it wants.
 
This is the method I have used for my motors since going mid to hi end modified's and yes I go at the very least 1/2 turn in on most mills but the motor tells me what it wants.

Well, thant's good to hear because the first thing i want to do when i start breaking in a new engine is start cranking on the HSN needle.:thumb:
 
all i know is its really bad to idle your real car for long periods of time so i assume it would be the same for a nitro engine but thats just my opinion i guess....
 
i called the 1-800 number and it doesnt frickin work!! :p :coffee:

i just let the motor speak for itself. after 15+ years playing with these things you get an ear for em'
 
very true swamp dawg, i can usually tell now how my engine is running by sound myself....
 
i broke in my .28 p3 picco in 15 tanks. i turned the HSN clockwise (leaned out) after every tank 1/4 turn for half the break in. for the second half of the break in i leaned the HSN a little more by going 1/3 turn every tank. worked out fine for me and the engine was very strong.
 

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