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Triumph TR6 - break in oil

I know that I must have this info somewhere, but I also know that one of you has it deeply embedded in memory from recent experience. What grade/type/viscosity/etc. oil should I use to break in a newly overhauled engine? How long do I run it before changing the oil and filter and how do I run it, that is vary the rpm, not letting it run at any one speed for very long or what? Thanks all. Also, I guess it's a given that I should add ZDDP to each oil change including the first one.
db
Doug Baker

Your ready to start that beast finally.
DON KELLY

Hi Doug

Instructions that came with my new cam didn't specify grade, so I just used the standard issue Castrol GTX 20W50, with a bottle of ZDDP added. The instructions were intial start-up should go straight to 2000rpm for 20 minutes (my neighbours loved that part!), then change the oil and filter. It said it was okay to stop and re-start the engine if necessary, which was good, as I had a problem with the bottom radiator hose, which popped off the new stainless steel pipe - I was sitting in the driver's seat congratulating myself for getting the engine rebuilt and running, when I saw a pool of coolant under the car (at first I thought it was oil in the limited light under the car which had me really worried!) - good thing I hadn't fitted the gearbox tunnel at that point... Fortunately the temp gauge hadn't even reached 1/4 by that point, so I think I got away with it.

After that initial oil change, there seem to be two schools of thought on breaking in. The old-fashioned carefully varied engine speeds and build the rev-limit over hundreds of miles (which I fully intended to use...) and the drive-it-like-you-stole-it approach, which several people on the internet (so you know it's true!) say is the best way to bed in rings etc. to ensure maximum performance from the engine.

Cheers
Alistair
A Hewitt

30 weight. Nothin fancy and pour some stuff in. It's only gonna be in for 20 minutes then throw in good stuff. Check to see if you can get Penn Grade#1 Racing oil.
It's got all the good stuff.
Now don't get Rick started.
DON KELLY

Hey....
Let's start a pool! Does Doug Baker's car drive before Don Kelly's????
Who's in on this??? I'm takin' Doug.....
Rod Nichols

Bite Me!
Just answer the hard top question.
DON KELLY

OW!?!?!
I already emailed him with the links.....
Gee, Wally.....
Rod Nichols

Is that all really "break in"? I thought it was 500 miles with a conventional oil, going up & down with speed, then a change out. After that it was additives, syn, ect.
Brent B

I'm no engine builder Doug but I will tell you what was done with mine after a rebuild with positive results.

20 minutes at 2000 rpm with Castrol 20/50 then oil was dumped.

Fresh refill of same followed by a drive at varying speeds across Canada from BC to Ontario. I think we drove 4600 kms whatever that is in miles... multiply by .62.

Ever since, my annual Castrol 20/50 oil changes include a quart of Lucas Oil Additive plus 4 oz. of GM's EOS per Rick C's advice. I also add lead to my fuel.

No problems touch wood!

Ken

Ken Shaddock

Why put expensive oil in for 20 minutes. The main thing that it has all the proper certification and add ZDDP to it.
JMHO
DON KELLY

Don, Thanks. YO may be H, but it's tried and true.

Rod, perhaps the pool should be if we either will get this done in this lifetime or have to bequeath an incomplete restoration to grandkids!!
db
Doug Baker

Glad to see I got one guy on this site trained.

My vote is for Doug. I think Don is packing his up and goin south.

Rick (AKA ZDDP:)
Rick Crawford

This thread was discussed between 28/01/2010 and 31/01/2010

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