I would say that changing the filter is also important. IF you changed it as often as the oil, you're looking at over 10% of the total rebuild basically accomplishing nothing. If the rebuild is as bad as you observe, you will likely end up using oil no matter what you try.
I wouldn't expect any rebuilt engine to last to even half the original life from the factory. I do like the suggestion of picking up long block from a salvage yard, especially on an appliance vehicle. It would last you longer than a rebuild in all likelihood.
On the way back from the pool last night, my daughter asked me why our Civic didn't have AC vents in the rear like our BMW. I had to try to explain to her the concept of an economy car and how they try to save money. A big part of the conversation was trying to get her to use a different word than cheap and having her understand the difference between economical and cheap.
Good luck with your efforts, I would save your oil for reuse, especially the 2nd-5th fills. Since you like reading up on things so much, perhaps consider a bypass filter. That would go far to extend the life of everything, including the oil. If it turns out to be a burner, you actually would never need to change the oil, just keep it topped up.
On the break in trip, I would avoid too much highway even at the expense of expediency. The more variation in load early on, the better. As mileage builds up, the RPM limit would too. Of course, with a Civic you need to rev the [censored] out of it just to move. Are in still in NOLA or transplanted?
Originally Posted By: nola000
Quote:
It looks like you are spending more on the break in oil by changing it six times in 500 miles than the rebuild itself.
I calculated with 4qt/change x 6 changes @ $6/quart = $144. No bad at all. Motor was $1400.
Quote:
The first life was 197k,
Actually, it was like 297k.
Quote:
What driving environment are you in (city/highway. traffic, etc)?
Almost 100% interstate/highway.
Quote:
How long can you take for the first 500 miles?
I was going to take a road trip on the local highways to break it in. Maybe a trip down US-90 along the Gulf Coast.
I wouldn't expect any rebuilt engine to last to even half the original life from the factory. I do like the suggestion of picking up long block from a salvage yard, especially on an appliance vehicle. It would last you longer than a rebuild in all likelihood.
On the way back from the pool last night, my daughter asked me why our Civic didn't have AC vents in the rear like our BMW. I had to try to explain to her the concept of an economy car and how they try to save money. A big part of the conversation was trying to get her to use a different word than cheap and having her understand the difference between economical and cheap.
Good luck with your efforts, I would save your oil for reuse, especially the 2nd-5th fills. Since you like reading up on things so much, perhaps consider a bypass filter. That would go far to extend the life of everything, including the oil. If it turns out to be a burner, you actually would never need to change the oil, just keep it topped up.
On the break in trip, I would avoid too much highway even at the expense of expediency. The more variation in load early on, the better. As mileage builds up, the RPM limit would too. Of course, with a Civic you need to rev the [censored] out of it just to move. Are in still in NOLA or transplanted?
Originally Posted By: nola000
Quote:
It looks like you are spending more on the break in oil by changing it six times in 500 miles than the rebuild itself.
I calculated with 4qt/change x 6 changes @ $6/quart = $144. No bad at all. Motor was $1400.
Quote:
The first life was 197k,
Actually, it was like 297k.
Quote:
What driving environment are you in (city/highway. traffic, etc)?
Almost 100% interstate/highway.
Quote:
How long can you take for the first 500 miles?
I was going to take a road trip on the local highways to break it in. Maybe a trip down US-90 along the Gulf Coast.