Break-in period
 

One of the guys in the US gave a desciption of a test drive he took and mentioned that the booklet does not mention that a 'break-in' period is necessary. Any ideas?

I know that the most miserable time in my TT was the first 1000 miles and I am very much hoping that the lack of machinery pieces on a rotary would avoid this period.

rael

Some of the other US posts have suggested that there is a "recommended" 600 mile break-in period.

See here

I am not sure personally that I could restrain myself to under 6000rpm after such a long wait?

Chris

I saw that too and presumably the dealers will tell you that so that the engine is not put under too much stress to early but interestingly the instruction did not suggest this. I also understands that most modern engines have already been bench broken in. Also, there is a view that driving hard from day 1 will open up the bits and pieces and give better results later, don't ask for quotes, this was off the TT forum many moons ago when discussing the same issue (although Audi did recommend the break-in period).

I would find it difficuly not to enjoy myself if the engine is so easy to rev. Let the warranty sort out the rest.

rael.

Seen the arguments on TT forum and the like. I personally will go for a mid-way point between not reving at all, and thrashing to within an inch of it's life. I heard that the thing you shouldnt do with a new (piston) engine is to sit at the same revs for a long period. I think common sense is the best option. I doubt the odd flick round the rev range in early days will do any harm, but try to take it easy for a few hundred miles at least (you want the brakes to bed in too!)

Surely it won't hurt to let it run-in for a few hundred miles?

I'm sure it'll be a lot more annoying if after all this wait you end up with a damaged engine!


-andy-

I'm pretty sure it's not obligatory.

You shouldn't invalidate your warranty anyway.

Cheers
Oilman

I think if you were to drive reasonably sensibly for the first 500 miles (I mean don't his the rev limiter at every gear change) then it should be OK.

Chris

From the US Owner's Manual on page 4-7, there's an adhesive piece of paper that's been stuck onto the page. It says:
"No special break-in is necessary, but a few precautions in the first 1,000 km (600 miles) may add to the performance, economy, and life of your engine.
-Don't race the engine.
-Don't maitain one constant speed for long.
-Don't drive constantly at full-throttle or high engine rpm (over 7,000 rpm) for extended periods of time.
-Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
-Avoid full-throttle starts."

So I'm probably babying it a little too much, but the engine revs sooo easily that I overshoot whatever limit I set.

So many errands and AARRRGGGGH! so few of them involve driving.

"may" add to the performance and as long is does not invalidate my warranty I will be a lot more volatile with my revs.

rael