Anovice

This week I will pick up a new 2009 Ex-L V-6 Accord that I purchased. The plan is then to drive from Pennsylvania to southern Florida, which is approximately 1,200 miles.

In the old days this would have been a no no as the manufacturers had specific break-in instructions for the first few thousand miles, which included lower and varying speeds.

Should I have any concern in driving a new V-6 Accord two back to back 10 hour days at speeds between 70mph and 80mph?

MSchu

No... No concerns.

Ideally you should vary the speeds and loads, but you will be alright

BLKFLSH

I would still consider this a no-no. I would be varying speeds for the first 600 miles or more. I would avoid staying at the same rpm for hours, or full throttle starts, during this critical time in the engine's life. It may not be necessary, but I would not take that chance with an investment this size.

Anovice

I am taking your thought of "I would be varying speeds for the first 600 miles or more" to mean varying speeds between say 55mph and 80 mph. Is this correct or do you mean even a greater range? Also do you think at these speed ranges that the rpm would vary enough for your liking?

I am at a loss what you mean by avoiding "full throttle starts". Is this 'putting the peddle to the medal?

Thanks for your input.

BLKFLSH

Varying speeds to me means going from low rpm, to higher rpm (idle to 4 or 5000 rpm). From 30mph up to 70-80mph is more what I think should be done. Not just between 55mph and 80mph. That's just not very much range, IMO. Spending hours between 2000rpm and 3000rpm is not enough range for me. I would also avoid full throttle starts (pedal to the metal), or full throttle at any speed (for extended periods) . Do you have to take this trip right away? I would at least try to put 4-500 miles on the car, before I got on the highway for 10 hours. That's just me though.

Rodney

i adhere to the 5/50 rule when breaking a new motor or car in. leaving the dealer, 5 minutes or 50 feet.

cloviskilla

iTrader: (2)

ive been building v8s v6s 4cyl u name it turbo nitrous or grandmas rebuild for 20 years out of my shop and ive never broke a motor in and never had premature failure as long as the bearing clearences are right. just change the oil once and rape it. im tired of listening to these haynes manual ****** on this forum.

BLKFLSH

You probably burned up a couple of those engines yourself, right? Change the oil once, when? I only use factory shop manuals, by the way. You have your opinion, and I have mine. Have a nice day.

chinochanginc

i spoke to my mechanic about this. hes been working on hondas for over 20 years... according to him" the tolerances in todays engines are soo close now a days that you dont need a break in period. " he said back in the old days you had to break in the motors, but now u dont have to because they are broken in already from the factory. new technology & new materials enable this.


i would just drive it normally, use the recomended fuel grade, and make sure you keep up with the maintenance..

cloviskilla

iTrader: (2)

i change oil about 10 miles after running a new motor and then drive them normal. i have ase master tech certification and years of wrenching day in and out. and no i dont so called "burn up" engines. have ever worked on a engine? or are you one of those ****** who complains to your local honda service manager?? extended engine break in is a thing of the past u accord driving ***et.

Anovice

Thanks for all the good advice.

Now the question is, do I find a Honda dealership on the way down to Florida and get an oil change, travel the 1,200 miles and when I am there get the oil changed, or wait for some other interval?

BLKFLSH

You are a "certified" something. That's for sure.

ChevelleSSLS6

good info here, for break in scroll down a bit.
http://www.hastingsmfg.com/ContentDa...x?Contentid=82

and its from a manufacturer of piston rings, so its not watered down by layers and such as the owners manual.

Then again, its a Honda, so it'll run forever anyway.

GoLowDrew

We got a Ford Freestar in 2005. Brand new. After 3 weeks (300 miles+), we took it on a trip from AZ to Oregon, done in one day. 2500 miles?? round trip. At 70-80-90MPH.

Engine was one of the strong points on the vehicle. No ill effect during the life of ownership. In fact, maybe it helped to break it in (the right way), since people have different opinions about Break-in.

We did the oil change after we got back.

I would not worry about it. Use it as you need to. It's a car. It won't break.

The only think I would be concern it to check (test) it now. To make sure there is no factory defects that would cause you problems on the road.

SlowCG

Honestly you could also just tell the dealership your plan on this road trip and ask them about the break in period because I'm sure your not the first one with this type of a situation.

0Janet@bisimoto

Most manufacturers have recommendations in the handbooks. Drive it gently. A rule of thumb is not to exceed 3000 - 3500 rpms for the first 500 miles. It is also a good idea to be kind to it for the first 2000 miles. And break-in is a myth; you should treat the engine gently at all times if you want longevity.

SFlCrx

hahaha... what everyone is saying is right... here is the thing... BTW i'm a tech at honda.. first yes older cars did require a more gently break in... the most important part of a break in process is the first 20-30 mins of driving.. with that being said... when i do a long block at work after everything is done i cylce the coolant and and do the idle learn procedure i take in on a test drive... accel from a stop to about 50 at half throttle and stop then the same in quarter throttle.. then i just drive it like stole it... and finish it up on the interstate.. on ramp to off ramp 1 exit.. broken in.. hope that helps... if you buy a car with more then 2 miles on it chances are its broken in already.. but everyone has a opinion in this thats mine..

cloviskilla

iTrader: (2)

exactly . people engine dyno fresh motors all day incuding nascar!! accord driving ***ets anyways i cant believe its getting argued.

Stew Pidasso

Lmao! As far as the break in, Honda says in the owner's manual to take it easy for the first thousand miles. After I hit 1000 miles, I start my routine of multiple daily redlines ;-)

pk386

I have actually been to the Honda plant in AL. They manufacture the V-6 there. (from raw aluminum to engine...)
They actually run the engines attached to electrical generators for 3 days straight. This generates about 60% of their electrical power requirements. They told us that as an added benifit that the varying demand from the electrical grid was the perfect varying load to brake the engine in with.

so the engine is broke in before it's even put in the car!

Now I would still be gentle until I got a few miles on it just to make sure all of the joints, welds, seals all settle in to place. Then drive it like you stole it.

As stated above Check the owners manual before hand.

brandonick2000

i wouldnt worry about breaking it in it is already fine from the factory. and i would wait to change the oil till the maintenance minder system tells you to the factory engine oil is different than the oil you buy you should leave it in as long as the engineers feel fit to

baller862

I used to think you should break in all motors and trannys but the honda buildng plant and the dealer RAPE IT FOR "TESTING" pourpouses. JUST DRIVE NORMAL, DONT BEAT IT TO MUCH THO... AND TRY TO SHIFT "EASY"! AND DONT STOMP THE BRAKES !!!and ur all set.

baller862

BTW i burned out right out of the parking lot right when i got my 09 Accord v6 EX-L (auto) and i hit like 112 on the way home (almost 50 miles)