No factory run-in on Harley Milwaukee 8 engine?

[LoneRanger]

At about 13:41 in the video the host says that the finished engines are cold tested. Just after that statement the project lead on the Milwaukee 8 speaks of how they save 13,000 gallons of fuel by that method. Don't see how the piston rings could get seated-in that way.

Anyone know if they do an initial run-in on them at the final assembly plant with the completed bike? Surely they do...




Link in case the embedded video doesn't work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ1xduQX-a0

 

[ammolab]

Why can't the rings seat when the owner "runs" the motor?..... Running a motor in the factory isn't anything special or different than running it on the drive home.

 

[HerrStig]

VW used to break in the bug engines on nautral gas.

 

[SumpChump]

They say that much of the break in on cars happens as they are agressively buzzed around shipping yards and factory lots initially. Interesting.

 

[shanneba]

Originally Posted By: LoneRanger

Anyone know if they do an initial run-in on them at the final assembly plant with the completed bike? Surely they do...


The Video looks to be about the testing at the end of engine assembly. That would be at the Pilgrim Road engine plant.
They actually record the info from the engine including sound and can check it if there is a warranty claim for the engine.

The engines are sent to the York assembly plant to install into the assembled bikes.

Each completed Harley gets a "Roll test" before the bike is put into the shipping crate.
The roll test is about a 1.5 mile dyno run. It reaches highway speeds and tests shifting, braking, lights and even cruise control.

source : HOG magazine 2016-037

The cold test could be considered the first heat cycle. The engine is spun at up to about 1600 rpms with dozens of sensors attached to check the oil pressure and the valve train sound. They collect 250 data points during the cold test. The M8 engines get the second set of plugs after the cold test.

Here is a video with a cold test shown at about 4:15 -

 

[shanneba]

Here is a video of factory test ride at about 5:10-

 

[Truckedup]

I believe many new vehicle engines are not started , but turned over by an electric or pneumatic motor to test the engine...Modern machining techniques and ring materials have eliminated traditional break in..

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: HerrStig
VW used to break in the bug engines on nautral gas.


For a long time, Porsche top-ended every car they built right off the assembly line.

 

[Cujet]

Originally Posted By: Truckedup
Modern machining techniques and ring materials have eliminated traditional break in..


This really is true. The accuracy of modern components results in nearly instant ring seating. Nothing else needs to break in.

 

[LoneRanger]

Thanks Shanneba, I was not understanding the cold test procedures. Sounds like the mile or so hot test after final assembly is what I thought might be missing but in fact is not. Good info.