Can low mileage older engine still break in?

[gfh77665]

What if you have a vehicle with very low mileage, (say 1000 miles per year), thats 15-20 years old, and has only 15-20K miles on it? I would assume the mileage, not the calender, matters break in wise. Anyone?

 

[Summerwind]

I would agree with that, mileage being the contributing factor to breakin, vs age..The amount of mechanical "exercising" if you will of the engine's internals at even 15k should be more than sufficient to have worn, or broke things in to a steady state of operation.

 

[daman]

Yep mileage i'd say aslo...

 

[mechtech2]

With those conditions stated, everything is already broken in.
But it is mileage for sure, not sitting, otherwise.

 

[gfh77665]

So, if I am understanding right, the engine will still break in correctly, even if 10+ years old. Agree?

 

[Lethal1ty17]

mileage, not age is what breaks in engines. at 20,000 miles though, i'd say its broken in.

 

[JT1]

Originally Posted By: Lethal1ty17
mileage, not age is what breaks in engines. at 20,000 miles though, i'd say its broken in.


I agree.

If the rings haven't seated yet, there not going to.

 

[gfh77665]

Zero consumption. Must be in great shape.

 

[Scott_Tucker]

Originally Posted By: gfh77665
So, if I am understanding right, the engine will still break in correctly, even if 10+ years old. Agree?


If it's not already broken in, it's not going to. Break-in occurs in the first 50 or so miles.

 

[widman]

initial break-in or rubbing off of sharp surfaces is 50 miles or so. Complete break-in of rings and bearings isn't until 1000 or 1500. A little longer with moly or chrome rings. Nothing to do with time.

Why ask? something wrong?

One problem with cars that only get that mileage is varnish build up if oil isn't changed enough, sticking rings, carbon, etc. In certain environments even rust in cylinders. Low mileage cars are good candidates for AutoRx.

 

[gfh77665]

Originally Posted By: widman

Why ask? something wrong?


No. Everything seems perfect. Zero consumption, runs perfect, etc. I was just curious, thats all. I just wondered about this concept.

Thank you all.