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Re: Break in oil

To: <rmf3860@erols.com>
Subject: Re: Break in oil
From: "John Macartney" <jonmac@ndirect.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 23:08:31 -0000
Cc: "Triumph List" <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Bob Fabie wrote:
Williams' book recommends mineral oil for initial break in of a new
engine. For those with the book, is he suggesting mineral oil for each
of the oil changes through 6,000 miles? (see page 94). I really don't
think it's clear.,
What have other members used for initial break-in of their rebuilt
engines? I'm planning ahead; I should have my engine back from the
machine shop in a week or so.

When your car was new, the engine was filled with a water-absorbent
straight grade 30 weight mineral oil called 'Ensis' that was blended
by the oil companies for vehicle manufacturers. It was changed at the
1000 mile service and replaced with the recommended 20W-50 mineral
oils of the period. This was when the break-in process was deemed to
have been concluded.
When your engine is eventually installed and you start the break in
process, use a light weight oil for the first 1000 miles. Keep your
engine revs to no more than 3000rpm, though exceeding that on a light
throttle won't harm it at all. Don't allow it to labour (slog) and
progressively open up the engine speed over the next 5000 miles.
You might want to emulate what a nameless person did in his 'break-in'
service for customers? <smile> Take your car for a 1000 mile trip over
a weekend. This last week I came across one that had received this
treatment and it was GREAT to see it again. Owner has had it since
new, 162,000 now on the clock and no bottom end rebuild yet felt
necessary. New clutch at 85,000 and a head overhaul at 110,000 -
otherwise nothing apart from brake friction, new hydraulics, tyres
annd the occasional exhaust.
You'll doubtless receive lots of urgings to use a modern synthetic and
I succumbed to list endorsements that this was better. Perhaps it is,
but not in my Triumph again - ever! Clattered and rattled, multiple
piddlings, low oil pressure - yuk!. So much for Mobil 1 and thirty odd
quid down the tube. Now running honest old Duckhams 20-50 and
everything's as it should be.

Jonmac
1970 Triumph 2.5PI MG4305DL(O) "Join the Power Elite" (from original
brochure)
1950 Ferguson TED20 152318 "Arguably the slowest product of The
Standard Motor Company"

IN THE SHADOW OF MY FATHER
http://www.toolbox.ndirect.co.uk/triumphbook
THE CROCUS AND A CORNFLOWER http://www.toolbox.ndirect.co.uk/crocus
The SLOW progress with 'Canley Girl':
http://www.toolbox.ndirect.co.uk/

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