Date:         Tue, 5 May 2009 18:27:00 -0400
Reply-To:     Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Best Practices for Engine Rebuild Break In Process
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=WINDOWS-1252; format=flowed; delsp=yes

Hey Everyone,

My rebuilt engine is going back in the van this week. What are the  
best practices to follow when breaking it in?

My rebuilt engine has rebuilt heads from Van-Cafe and Cofap pistons in  

it.

I was told by one person to change the oil after the first 30 minutes  

of running the engine. Then after 500 miles change the oil and filter,  

then again at 1,000 before moving from Dino Oil to Synthetic. It was  
suggested I use 10w/40 Dino Oil first before moving to Synthetic.

I just and article from Go-Westy and want to know if people agree with  

what they say or have different thoughts.

http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=860

During the first 1000 miles of engine life:

1) Allow coolant temperature to come up to normal running temperature  

before driving.
2) Avoid full throttle application.
3) Do not exceed an engine speed of 4,000 rpm.
4) Do not use cruise control or maintain a constant engine speed for  
more than 10 minutes at a time.
5) Maximize warm-up cycles; the more times the engine is brought up to  

full operating temperature and allowed to cool fully, the better.

During the first 10,000 miles:

1) Monitor oil consumption carefully; check oil at EVERY gasoline fill- 

up.
Note: The distance between the two notches on the dipstick is NOT one  

quart. Adding a full quart when oil level is at the bottom notch WILL  

result in over-filling, very high oil consumption, and possible engine  

damage.
2) Keep the oil level closer to the lower notch than the upper notch.
3) Use 20/50 non-synthetic oil (any brand). Do not switch to synthetic  

oil until oil consumption has stabilized.

After 10,000 miles and for the life of the engine:

1) Never apply more than ½ throttle before coolant temperature is up  

to normal, which is about the middle of the gauge.
2) Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT good for the coolant  
temperature to stay at the low end of the gauge. If you notice your  
coolant temperature is not coming up to normal it is cause for alarm— 

get it checked out.
3) Use only the top quality synthetic oil of 15/50-weight.

About oil consumption:
It is normal for an engine to consume oil. Following the guidelines  
above will have a direct effect on how much oil the engine will consume 

—forever. The factory specification from VW is that up to one quart  

per 1000 miles is “normal.” The oil capacity of a water boxer is 5  

quarts. These engines have a “wet sump,” and as long as the oil pump  
pick-up does not starve for oil, oil pressure in the engine will be  
the same regardless of whether there is one quart of oil present or  
five; it makes no difference. In general, if no oil has to be added  
between oil changes, that is what we consider to be “acceptable.” That  
equates to around ½ quart per 1000 miles. That means that at 3500  
miles, the engine will be no more than 2 quarts low.