Breakin procedure Q

[treynor]

I've seen a number of posts which refer to a 3500 RPM limit during the first 500 miles. However, in the owner's manual it specifies a 4000 RPM limit. Does anyone know the origin of the 3500 RPM number?

 

[chimay52]

Ben,

I'm sorry, I don't have an answer for your question but I do have a question for you if you don't mind.

How do you like your X5? I am looking at buying one right now (the 4.6) and am interested in any opinions on it.

Thank you.
Mike

 

[Joseph Houss]

OFFICIAL HERB HELBIG RESPONSE TO BREAK-IN INQUIRIES:
The Guru of break-in's has always been respected for his PVO wisdom, and has now further clarified the simple break in procedure:

"The break in procedure described in the owners manual will work for the new motor. if the car will be driven particulaly hard after 500 miles (liked raced), the break in period should be extended to between 750 and 1000mi"

 

[treynor]

Interesting. I presume he really means "Don't race it until 1000 miles" rather than "don't rev it above 4000 for 1000 miles if you intend to later race it." ? That would stand to reason...

On our car, I'll extend the break-in procedure as we did for Gen-II's - work your way gradually upward in RPMs as the miles accumulate, while avoiding extended WOT.

 

[Steve-Indy]

THANKS...to Joe, Herb for this response...and to Ben for raising the question. I WONDER if the "3500 rpm" figure wasn't a "left-over" recommendation for the "500 mile plateau" (400-600 miles)as published in Viper Mag. for the 2000, 2001, and 2002 models ???

 

[Daffy Duck Viper]

In conclusion, the break-in procedure for the serious Viper driver should be the same as on GenI & GenII Vipers?

FROM Roy: "
Technical Service Bulletin
Group: Engine
Date: Feb 25, 2000
Subject: Replacement Engine Break-in Procedure
Models: 1992-2000 (SR) Viper Roadster/Coupe
Discussion: The following break-in procedure is suggested for any New Viper Engine.
Share this information with you customers as needed.
During the first 1000 miles (1610 km):
1. Avoid long periods of engine idling.
2. Wait until the engine has reached operating temperature before driving
enthusiastically.
3. Check the engine oil level at each fuel fill since a new engine may consume some oil
during the first few thousand miles (this is normal and not a sign of an engine problem).
4. Keep the vehicle speed below 70 mph (113 km/h).
5. Do not make any full throttle starts or full throttle accelerations.
6. Avoid driving at a constant engine rpm for long periods as follows:

. First 200 miles interval (322 km), light throttle run-ups shifting at a maximum of 2500
rpm.
. In addition, it is suggested to change the engine oil within the first 200 miles of engine
break-in.

. Second 200 miles interval (322 km), light throttle run-ups shifting at a maximum of
3500 rpm.

. Third 200 miles interval (322 km), light throttle run-ups shifting at a maximum of
4000 rpm.

. Fourth 200 miles interval (322 km), light throttle run-ups shifting at a maximum of
4500 rpm.

. Fifth 200 miles interval (322 km), light throttle run-ups shifting at a maximum of 5000
rpm.


Policy: Information Only"

This is NOT in the 2001 manual but is IS in the Spring 2000 issue of Viper Mag...page 36....in MY poinion, you should FOLLOW IT CLOSELY !!!

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

We probably started this, as our Viper Tech stated that this is what they recommended at one of the very first schools done on the SRT-10. As we have
always been big believers in proper break in, we went with this initial assessment. I defer, wholeheartedly ,to Herb H. about the 4,000 rpm max for the
500 miles, and we are still recommending an oil change at 500 miles. Boy ,will folks be happy about being able to go to 4,000 revs early on, ha!