I did a search, but I'm not sure if this was discussed. Is it better to break in a rotary engine on the highway (Constant RPM) or city (stop and go)? I know for M/C it is a good idea not to maintain constant RPM. Any thoughts?

 

I have heard varying RPMs are best...

But I think as long as you stay under the limit, you'll be fine regardless of what RPM range you're in.

 

A car is no different that a motorcycle during the break-in period. It is best broken-in as you suggested with stop and go city traffic verses a constant speed that is typical of highway traffic. That is not to say that highway traffic should be avoided, but do not keep it at a steady speed during the entire trip (keep the cruse control off), try to vary the speed a little.

 

That's a hell of alot of stop an go to get to ~620mi (1000km) or whatever is the suggested break in period is.

I was planning some highway drives down Highway 1 to Pacifica, Santa Cruz, and Carmel then back up to San Francisco and then over to Sacramento. There will be some stop & go city driving but the majority will be nice and easy highway driving.

Anyway, READ the manual before you do anything.

 

It is probably better to break in a car in city driving only because you have a tendancy to vary speeds more often. That would be in a perfect world, but it would like some of you have said take forever. When you on the highway just try not to stay in one RPM range for one long period of time. That lets all the engine parts seat to each other at different forces.

 

...are you serious??? that's only a couple weeks...

 

These are break-in tips and maintenance schedules for the 3rd gen rx-7 should be much the same as the rx-8.

1. First and foremost, you should keep tabs on the vital signs of your car. Check the oil regularly and make sure the temperature does not exceed the half- way mark. These two areas are the primary causes of pre-mature engine failure. An engine in its prime can still become junk if its allowed to run out of oil or water. Don't be alarmed by a slightly above average use of motor oil. Rotary engines inject a small amount of oil for lubrication. Every once in a while, top off your oil and zero the trip odometer. See how many miles you go before you need another quart. A new engine uses a quart in 1600-1800 miles, but you shouldn't begin to worry until it gets to about one quart per 700 miles.

2. Change your oil and filter regularly. This cannot be emphasized enough. Changing your oil and filter about every 3000 miles is probably the best thing you can do to extend the life and performance of your engine. Make sure you use an oil and filter of good quality.

3. If you had a new or rebuilt engine installed, observe the "break-in" rules. Negligence will be costly since the warranty will be voided and the engine may sustain irreparable damage in extreme cases. Be easy on the motor for the first 500 miles. This means, a) no heavy load hauling, b) do not exceed 4000rpm, c) do not exceed 70 mph in top gear, and d) do not drag race. After putting 500 miles on the motor, change the oil and filter, retension the belts, check all hoses, and look carefully for any oil and fuel leaks..

4. Another helpful idea is to have a regular maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance can identify problems before they become serious ones. Tune-ups, oil changes, brake work, and other maintenance done at the proper time will save money in the end. Have all these things done by a competent shop that knows your car. Remember, an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.

5. Be proud of your car. It's not just transportation, it's an extension of yourself. Your character is reflected in the way you treat it. Keep it clean inside and out. Wash and wax it occasionally and vacuum the carpet. Doing all these things may not extend the life of the engine much, but it sure keeps the value of your investment and makes the car more fun to drive

Engine
Engine Oil Replace every 3,000 miles
Oil Filter Replace every 3,000 miles
Drive Belts Inspect every 30,000; Replace as needed.
Turbo Boost Check Inspect every 12 months. You should see 12psi on Primary Turbo, 10psi on Secondary Turbo


Air Cleaner
Stock Air Cleaner Element Replace every 30,000 miles
If Using K&N Element Clean and Oil every 15,000 miles


Ignition System
Spark Plugs Replace every 15,000 miles
Spark Plug wires Inspect every 15,000 miles
Replace as needed.


Cooling System
Cooling System Inspect every 15,000 miles for leaks
Engine Coolant Replace every 30,000 miles or every 12 months
(whichever comes first)


Fuel System
Idle Speed Inspect every 15,000 miles
Fuel Filter Replace every 30,000 miles
Fuel Lines Inspect every 15,000 miles


Electrical System
Engine Oil Level
Warning System Inspect every 30,000 miles
Engine Coolant Level
Warning System Inspect every 30,000 miles


Brakes
Brake Hoses and Connections Inspect every 15,000 miles
Brake Fluids Inspect every 15,000 miles
Replace every 30,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
Clutch Fluid Level Inspect every 30,000 miles
Brake and Clutch Pedal Inspect every 15,000 miles
Parking Brake Inspect every 15,000 miles
Power Brake Unit and Hoses Inspect every 30,000 miles
Disc Brakes Inspect every 15,000 miles


Miscellaneous
Power Steering Fluid
and Lines Inspect every 15,000 miles
Steering Linkages, rack Inspect every 15,000 miles
Guides and Tie Rod Ends Inspect every 15,000
Front Suspension Ball Joints Inspect every 30,000 miles
Front Wheel Bearings Lubricate every 30,000 miles
Rack Seal Boots Inspect every 30,000 miles
Manual Transmission oil Replace every 30,000 miles
Automatic Transmission Fluid Level Inspect every 30,000 miles
Rear Axle Oil Replace every 30,000 miles
Exhaust system heat shields Inspect every 30,000 miles
Seat Belts, Buckles,
Reactors and anchors Inspect every 30,000 miles
Drive Shaft Dust Boot Inspect every 30,000 miles

 

Or a very long weekend!! :D

 

or a trip to vegas on the back roads!!

 

Desmo996, read your ducati manual for proper engine breakin procedures.

"Riding through the mountains provides proper breakin riding" or something to that effect.

What they want is a range of rpms and loading characteristics. By going into the mountains, you will have lots and lots of changes for the car to work through, but none of them long enough to really cause any extensive heat soak. Of course this means if you have a road that goes straight, at a 30% grade for 4 miles, that might not be a good thing, but a tight curvy road with lots of ups and downs would be PERFECT.

Just dont do much WOT and keep the revs a bit low and you will be perfect, when you hit 620 miles the grin should be permenantly fixed to your face.

City driving is BAD for break in. It lets the engine fully heat soak, without a ton of airflow, and lots of periods of high load (full throttle then STOP full throttle then STOP over and over)

Highway driving is a good thing, if you continually change gears, but still the mountains or bare minimum a nice tight curvy road is ideal.

Scot