First oil change / Break in

[MtHam ACR]

My car turned past the 500 mile mark this week. There have been a number of posts saying you need to change the oil in the first few hundred miles. What's the point? Can someone explain, or provide a real example, why this is 'must do' service?

On a related topic, what's with the 200 miles for 500 rpm break-in thing? I've always given a new car a few hundred miles of tempered, varying rpm driving, then drive the snot out of it. I've broken-in a number of cars (German, Japanese and US) this way and never had a problem.

What makes Vipers so different that these topics are adhered to with near religious fervor?

Thanks,

Eric
01ACR
sapphire/silver

 

[safireviper]

The reason you want to change your oil IMMEDIATELY is because all new motors can ( and will )have small metal shavings like all new machinery has. It travels thru the oiling system with the chance of doing damage to your internals. Trust me. Change your oil very soon. Tomorrow.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Here's a post from Roy taken from archives (Apr. 2001). Another version of this can be found on page 36 of the Spring 2000 issue of Viper Magazine...written be Team Viper's Herb Helbig. Hope this help you.

"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"

 

[MtHam ACR]

Thanks to those who replied, OK I'm a believer (thanks to Pete for the off-line chat as well). Oil change happening as soon as I can find a filter.

Eric
01ACR

 

[JonB]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MtHam ACR:
...OK I'm a believer ....Oil change happening as soon as I can find a filter.Eric 01ACR<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

ERIC..... Dont chince on filters. Buy a Mobil One (or a NAPA-GOLD) Oil Filter. Any local NAPA will have em on the shelf.


Commercial: 3-pak of Mobil One Filters, **** red GTS-R Vipers on boxes, for $29 delivered to your door.

 

[MtHam ACR]

Update 12/26: Changed the oil today, 10 qts + new mopar filter.

Background: Car was manufactured in Dec 2000 and purchased after a year on two different dealer floors, with 17 miles on the clock on Dec 7, 2001. At the time of the oil change the car had just over 600 miles.

I expected the worst: sludge, metal particles stuck to the drain plug, big oosing glops of crud clogging the drain plug hole.

What actually happened?

The oil was beautiful and the drain plug was clean as a whistle.

Thanks for everyone's concern, but just like every other new enthusiast car I've ever owned, the infamous early first oil change again fails surface anything of concern. I really thought the Viper had some inherent deficiency. As a result I took a spirited celebratory cruise into the mountains and let her strech her legs a bit. Clearly this is a fine machine in the fullest sense of the word. I really I couldn't be happier with my car.

Eric