Oil & Fuel proper diesel engine break-in

[OrangeAlex]

Hello,

I just purchased a new L3130 and I was wondering what people think if this statement. Upon delivery, my dealer told me that for best break-in I should run the tractor at full throttle for the first 50 hrs or more to properlly "seat the rings". Can someone confirm this statement? If this is correct, it is best to keep it at full throttle beyond the 50 hr service? 100 hr, etc?

Thanks

 

[RoyJackson]

I've always heard to vary the RPM's during break in.
When I bought my 790, it was still in break in hours (24 hours).
Since PTO powered implements normally require a constant RPM, I disengaged the implement every 20-30 minutes and varied the RPM's for a few minutes.
The other thing is to not change the oil until after break in. I waited until I had 60 hours showing.
But, don't baby the machine. It's made to work, so work it.

Of course, you could go by what the manual says...

 

[RedRocker]

I've always heard what Roy heard, vary the RPM's, your manual should tell you though. Full throttle is a new one on me.

 

[ronjhall]

My manual states
" Do not Operate the Tractor at Full Speed for the First 50 Hours."
Full speed is usually higher than PTO speed by a few 100 RPM's.
Your manual should have a similar statement under Operating New Tractor section.

 

[beenthere]

OrangeAlex
That is what I have heard as well, from diesel engineers (one was my father) and diesel mechanics as well. However, I don't run my tractor at full throttle ever for a straight 50 hours, so I don't follow that advice. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
I can't imagine that the rings could care less, but maybe the hotter temperature is what seats them better.
But we hear a lot of different things, so not surprised there are a variety of opinions on this subject as well. However, maybe the dealer who told you that would elaborate further on the idea he presented.

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

I rebuilt diesel tank engines in the military for 4 years. We took our overhauled engines straight to the dyno for a horse power test. After warm up, we ran them up to full RPM, then to operational RPM and back several times. Then we boxed them up and shipped them out to be dropped in a tank and run by the crew in field conditions. Never had one come back.

Warm it up and work it like it was designed to be worked. Keep the break in oil in it till its time for your first oil change and then use what the manufacturer specifies and you'll break in just fine.

 

[Charolais]

I have a Perkins engine that I ran the first 50 hrs. and the rings weren't seated proper. I bought the tractor at the time of year when I had no work to load the engine. Just feeding cows all winter. Changed oil at 50 hrs. and the oil level would go down about a quart in 25 hrs.

So I got my old HI dump truck fired up, put a chain in the front hook and hooked the other end to the drawbar on the tractor. Got it out in the highway, got my son in the truck seat and told him how to apply the brakes on the truck to load the tractor up. Away we went for 1.5 miles with him applying enough brake on the truck to make that Perkins moan. I'd check with the foot throttle to make sure I wasn't lugging and was running 2.5 mph @ 2,200 rpm. Got to the end of the 1.5 miles and the paint on the muffler had changed color. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif We got the truck and tractor off the highway and let the engine cool(@1000 rpm) as well as the brakes on the truck. Took about 10 minutes for the brakes. Then we made the trip back home the same way.

This all worked like a charm. Oil consumption is next to zero now at 200 hrs. Got those rings seated very well. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[ronjhall]

When I got my B2910. It was late spring. It was delivered with the MMM. Put most of the first 50 hrs at close to PTO speed with the MMM. Varied the RPM's + or -50 RPM's. Engine never uses any oil between oil changes. Even today I very seldom go over PTO RPM's.

 

[v8dave]

The manual on my Kubota B7610 says not to run at full throttle for the first 50 hours and to vary the engine speed. Well, I have a backhoe and after the first 10 hours low engine speed was way to slow for quick digging. So I put it at PTO speed which was very close to as fast as it would go. I ran it that way with the backhoe for the better part of the first 50 hours. I've 65 hours on it now, no oil use and it runs good.

I also have a Kubota GL11000 generator set. It's engine is a 3 cyl diesel model D722-EB, a tweaked version of the same engine as in the Kubota BX series. Now, this engine only runs at 3,600 rpm. As soon as it starts up it runs up to speed (needed to keep the power gererated at 60 Hz) and always runs there. If the house power demand is up, it is also under a load. There is no caution about speed or loads (except, don't exceed ratings). It's currently only got a few hours, so I've no history on it yet.

I'd say that the advice given in the previous posts is good. It looks like the manufacturers give varying advice themselves.

 

[Clyde]

From my experiences with anything with a diesel.....babying it is the worst thing you can do to a new engine. The cylinder walls glaze(oil consumption) and frequently the only cure is to tear down the engine and deglaze the sleeves with a cylinder hone. I have a F250 Power Stroke, A John Deere 350C dozer, and a Mahindra 4500 and all were put thru their paces from day one. Proper warm-up is the only precautions I take on any of them. No problems with anyone of the three as far as oil burning or other problems. Just my opinion and my results. Clyde