New FL5 Break-In Period - Looking for Honda's Prescription

[Superhatch]

I have a CRX that has 325k on the engine from the original old lady owner from Alabama.

Obviously she likely did a full break-in including
- Revs to 4k to seat the rings.
- Driving downhill under engine load for a long time
- Changing the initial engine oil early before Honda's suggestion
- Using Amsoil or other alternate oil because it's better
- Only did long drives for the break in period to make sure the engine burned off any condensation
- Sent in oil for analysis
- Never lagged the motor ever, especially under break in.

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[joshinthecity]

 

[Ktrw]

I have a CRX that has 325k on the engine from the original old lady owner from Alabama.

Obviously she likely did a full break-in including
- Revs to 4k to seat the rings.
- Driving downhill under engine load for a long time
- Changing the initial engine oil early before Honda's suggestion
- Using Amsoil or other alternate oil because it's better
- Only did long drives for the break in period to make sure the engine burned off any condensation
- Sent in oil for analysis
- Never lagged the motor ever, especially under break in.

Good point, I'm gonna follow in my grandma's footsteps and start the car up on a cold day, drive it 5 minutes down to the store, shut it off, and drive back everyday. I'm sure my engine will last like her 125hp 1995 camry I4.

 

[Superhatch]

Jokes aside, Honda wants the least amount of engine failures possible and a lot of these post are acting like if you don't do X you have a higher chance of messing up your engine, or it wont last as long, etc.

I don't think there is any evidence out there from internet forms that doing X,Y,Z will make your engine last 150k vs 200k. But, Honda has the data, has done the research on what is the best way to get the most reliable longest lasting engines. Their suggestion is: Under 4k rpm for the first 600 miles. Then an oil change at 5k.

I have no reason to believe some bro on the internet, some shop that has built track motors, or some post on bobistheoilguy vs. one of the best engine building companies in the history of the automobile. But maybe internet bros are right. If you do all the things CRX granny did, dance under a willow on a full moon, maybe you will make 3 more hp, and your engine will last 5k longer. Who can say...

 

[Ktrw]

Jokes aside, Honda wants the least amount of engine failures possible and a lot of these post are acting like if you don't do X you have a higher chance of messing up your engine, or it wont last as long, etc.

I don't think there is any evidence out there from internet forms that doing X,Y,Z will make your engine last 150k vs 200k. But, Honda has the data, has done the research on what is the best way to get the most reliable longest lasting engines. Their suggestion is: Under 4k rpm for the first 600 miles. Then an oil change at 5k.

I have no reason to believe some bro on the internet, some shop that has built track motors, or some post on bobistheoilguy vs. one of the best engine building companies in the history of the automobile. But maybe internet bros are right. If you do all the things CRX granny did, dance under a willow on a full moon, maybe you will make 3 more hp, and your engine will last 5k longer. Who can say...

Yeah I don't think you really need to do much. Ideally you need to moderately accelerate when the engine is brand new to set the rings optimally and then change the oil at reasonable intervals. I just don't think people should baby their engines when they're new because it's counter productive. Just drive the car.

 

[WhiteFuryDC5]

I have worked on all my hondas, and my local tech went to school for honda and has been their lead tech for 15 years. He said drive it spirited is fine once in a while for first 600 rpms. Dont have to baby it. However he said only a few simple rules to follow.

1. No rev limiter (hitting it or bouncing off it)
2. Dont hit redline
3. Vary rpms(no cruise control)
4. No excessive Idling

I personally believe based on experience (tech agrees) if you stay below or shift no higher than 5500-6000 during the first 600 miles its totally ok to have some fun here and there.

 

[Superhatch]

I personally believe based on experience (tech agrees) if you stay below or shift no higher than 5500-6000 during the first 600 miles its totally ok to have some fun here and there.

But then why does Honda say 4000?

 

[Higgs Boson]

But then why does Honda say 4000?

because pick a number. none of it matters and only a crazy person buys a brand new car and keeps it 100, 200, 300k miles. Do whatever you want, it's under warranty. I can't remember the last time I kept a car past 5k miles. At the very least, sell the car with 59,900 miles on it, it's time for something else, the car smells like your armpits and farts.

 

[Superhatch]

because pick a number. none of it matters and only a crazy person buys a brand new car and keeps it 100, 200, 300k miles. Do whatever you want, it's under warranty. I can't remember the last time I kept a car past 5k miles. At the very least, sell the car with 59,900 miles on it, it's time for something else, the car smells like your armpits and farts.

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[Ktrw]

because pick a number. none of it matters and only a crazy person buys a brand new car and keeps it 100, 200, 300k miles. Do whatever you want, it's under warranty. I can't remember the last time I kept a car past 5k miles. At the very least, sell the car with 59,900 miles on it, it's time for something else, the car smells like your armpits and farts.

I typically buy a new car before the first oil change is due and a new iPhone when the battery goes below 20%. Just can't be bothered to deal with stuff like that so I'm with you.

 

[Higgs Boson]

I typically buy a new car before the first oil change is due and a new iPhone when the battery goes below 20%. Just can't be bothered to deal with stuff like that so I'm with you.

That is actually when I usually dump them, lol. Haven't done an oil change in many years. I do charge my phone (and put gas in the cars), however.

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