Break-in Oil (friction modifiers vs synthetic)

[lukejo]

So, this question/conversation applies to oils, not necessarily the application/engine....although I do have a new 25.5 Kawasaki which prompted more reading. There are still a good percentage of people that preach "no synthetic until after break-in so that the rings will seat properly." However, when looking at dedicated break-in oils, they are loaded with anti-wear ZDDP, with the key to making them a break-in oil being that they HAVE NO FRICTION MODIFIERS.
So, it seems that conventional vs synthetic isn't the issue, it is using an oil (even syn) without friction modifiers. Make sense?

 

[Kuato]

Friction modifiers are for LS differentials or wet clutches. M1 is the FF for Corvettes.

 

[SteveSRT8]

My sig car came factory filled with Mobil 1 0W-40 wayyyyyy back in 05.

Never really seen any real problems caused by synthetic oil used in new engines, just a bunch of old school heresay

 

[Buzzsaw]

I woundnt worry about it. Your engine came from the factory with Kawasaki K-Tech oil which is a robust semi syn.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
My sig car came factory filled with Mobil 1 0W-40 wayyyyyy back in 05.

Never really seen any real problems caused by synthetic oil used in new engines, just a bunch of old school heresay


+1

I always break-in hard without overheating and change the oil early. Then carry on with life...

 

[CT8]

No syn for break in is false. Engines can't help but to break in.

 

[slomo]

If you put synthetic oil in it won't break in and also shut off. It's too slick compared to dino. You start it once, shut the key off and the engine keeps running. See how ridicules this all sounds?

There has been zero documented cases of engines not breaking in on any brand syn oil. Lets look at that. That came out years years ago when syn oils were new to the market. They have since been altered to be usable with ANY oil.

Another thing is there are very few true synthetic oils out there. Most are blends or part of the add pack has or might contain synthetic material. Base oil is still dino. These include Mobil 1, Royal Purple and so on.

Break in oil typically is non-detergent oil. Check your manual for manufacturer specs.