Break in oil for modern engine?

[screaminglemon]

So I am a couple of weeks from buying a brand new Toyota FJ Cruiser. This is my first new car and want to do things right, but I am a believer in the "run it hard" style of engine break in promoted by motoman. Of course, he says to never use synthetics during break in, but the truck will come with 0W20 from the factory so I plan to change it out immediately.

The problem is, the manual says to only use 0W20 or if its unavailable 5W20 is OK for 1 OCI. Specialized "brake in" oils (Royal Purple, Amsoil, Brad Penn) are almost all straight W30. Lucas makes a W20 (but I can't find the spec sheet for it), and Joe Gibbs makes a 5W30. Then there's the camp that says to just use cheap Castrol HD 30, with or without a break in additive.

My guess is that the factory spec 0W20 is purely for MPG and a slightly higher viscosity wont hurt anything, especially with the abbreviated break in OCI. After break in, I will use 0W20 for sure but I'm leaning towards the Joe Gibbs Driven BR30 (5W30) for the first 1500 miles.

Then there's the whole don't use high zinc oil in EGR equipped vehicles. Not completely sure what that's about but I'll be OK for such a short period, correct?

So what is everyone's thoughts on modern engine break in?

 

[skellyman]

Just run the ff till your next oci.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: screaminglemon

So what is everyone's thoughts on modern engine break in?

Stick to what's written in the owner's manual. Obviously that's not what you're planning to do, but you asked.

 

[HappyLittlePony]

Just leave the factory oil alone. Drive your new car normally. Just do what the owner's manual says. Don't make things more complicated than they need to be.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Many mfgrs use additives and assembly lubes that create a beneficial environment for that beautiful new motor.

Follow their directions for the longest life.

 

[Coprolite]

The special break in additive that is part of the factory fill will do a wonderful job as long as the proper OEM OCI is followed.

 

[MolaKule]

Quote:
but I am a believer in the "run it hard" style of engine break in promoted by motoman.


Well, I am not.

I don't think you need a break-in oil since the newer engines have better surface finishes than did the older engines.

Those break-in oils are mainly for rebuilt engines that do not have the kind of machining available from the factory.

For new vehicles, my "druthers" are to run the FF for about 500 miles and then change the filter and oil according to the OEM's oil weight (viscosity) specifications.

Follow the manf. preferred driving method for the initial, required mileage period. No need to ovrheat it during this period.

 

[A_Harman]

Those specialized high-performance, high-zddp break-in oils are for race engines that have slider-follower valvetrains and very high valve spring loads. None of this applies to your Toyota FJ Cruiser engine.

If you really feel like you need to dump the factory-fill oil early, do it at ~1500 miles, and change the filter, too. Use the factory-recommended oil grade, and enjoy your new truck!

 

[147_Grain]

Originally Posted By: MolaKule
For new vehicles, my "druthers" are to run the FF for about 500 miles and then change the filter and oil according to the OEM's oil weight (viscosity) specifications.

Follow the manf. preferred driving method for the initial, required mileage period. No need to ovrheat it during this period.



This is what I've done with the past 8 - 10 new vehicles and none have burnt any noticeable oil.

 

[nitehawk55]

Originally Posted By: 147_Grain
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
For new vehicles, my "druthers" are to run the FF for about 500 miles and then change the filter and oil according to the OEM's oil weight (viscosity) specifications.

Follow the manf. preferred driving method for the initial, required mileage period. No need to ovrheat it during this period.



This is what I've done with the past 8 - 10 new vehicles and none have burnt any noticeable oil.


You never would have anyway .
What makes you guys feel that the FF isn't good enough ? , using something else won't make a difference for crying out loud , just run the recommended OCI and change it .
By hard break in I assume you mean to kick it down some . Well I always felt that doesn't hurt but drive the first 2-300 miles an the lighter side and then start with some fast acceleration sprints but don't get the revs too high , it's the torque on the motor to the pistons and rings on the cyl walls that the sprints help seat the rings faster .

Just my .02

 

[walk23]

Just changed FF on my Nissan Altima at 4K that came with 0w20 synthetic blend. The oil looked very good. I, like you tried to over think this equation. Doing mostly highway driving I changed early. I too recommend driving until near the recommended OCI. If anything I might change the filter early but leave the FF in til the OCI recommended is close.

 

[901Memphis]

Get a filter mag if you want to catch some fresh iron.

 

[sasha]

modern precision machining and assembly assures there is hardly any break involved and its done at the factory. you purchased the car,,just drive and follow the recommendation set forth by dealer or factory.

 

[LeakySeals]

I spent 12 years on the road as a support engineer. During that time I had 3 new cars. The first I pampered. Changed the breakin oil at 1k, went out of my way to drive slow and different speeds. The next 2 I had no time to worry about changing the breakin oil or observing conservative driving speeds. Get out on the highway and let it rip for hours at a time. The only thing common was all 3 got oil changes every 5k without fail. 5k because it was 90% highway, conventional and 10-15 years ago when oil wasn't as good. All 3 went over 200k with no engine problems or oil consumption issues. The last one that got no special treatment, broken in like I was driving it from day one performed the best IMO. So... from that experience I think changing the breakin oil (if there is any) doesn't matter. Driving slow or conservatively, changing speeds, etc. doesn't matter. Changing the oil on time with a good oil is all that matters.

 

[dave123]

4.0L do what you want it does not matter they just run change every 5000 miles and sleep well.

 

[spk2000]

I recommend the run it hard early on as i have seen very good break in results but I know not everyone advocates it. I would leave the factory oil in it though. Also putting the filter mag is a great idea.Driving them hard from the get go seems to really make a car run better, better fuel economy and performance. Again this is my personal experience but I have seen it work enough to know I will continue doing it.

 

[ZFoily]

Just read your owners handbook and warranty terms and if you have any questions about playing the break in dance expert, just send them to the manufacturer. Don't ask here because half the replies will say use Mobil 0/40 and the other half will say use Zinc or some real warranty violating idea.
Modern engines don't require a well defined break in unless you built it yourself, if that's the case then DYOR and look for a special break in oil IF required and don't use too big a right boot or spend too much time at idle etc.
One of the biggest mistakes new car owners make is to change the factory fill early!!!

 

[nitehawk55]

AND....if something did happen to go wrong with that engine shortly after you take delivery and you have drained the FF chances are you could kiss your warranty goodbye .

 

[dave123]

Originally Posted By: nitehawk55
AND....if something did happen to go wrong with that engine shortly after you take delivery and you have drained the FF chances are you could kiss your warranty goodbye .


not true

 

[coolbird101]

Originally Posted By: ZFoily
Just read your owners handbook and warranty terms and if you have any questions about playing the break in dance expert, just send them to the manufacturer. Don't ask here because half the replies will say use Mobil 0/40 and the other half will say use Zinc or some real warranty violating idea.
Modern engines don't require a well defined break in unless you built it yourself, if that's the case then DYOR and look for a special break in oil IF required and don't use too big a right boot or spend too much time at idle etc.
One of the biggest mistakes new car owners make is to change the factory fill early!!!

Why does your voice sound so familiar?